16/10/04
Some of Western Australia's worst crime areas are seeing massive reductions in burglaries.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts today released police statistics showing burglaries have dropped dramatically after pilot projects in the long-time crime hot spots of Carnarvon, Bentley and Morley.
In September, compared with the same month of 2003, residential burglaries fell by 70 per cent in Bentley, by 72 per cent in Carnarvon and by 27 per cent in Morley.
"These locations have historically been some of the toughest and difficult suburbs to achieve a sustained reduction in crime using standard policing methods," Mrs Roberts said.
"But with this new, whole-of-government focus on the crime of burglary, we have been able to break the back of burglary in these areas."
The Minister said the Government launched Operation Burglary Countdown as part of its Burglar Beware initiative in Bentley and Morley in November 2003 and in Carnarvon in July 2004.
In all cases, within four weeks, there was an immediate impact.
Government agencies, including the Departments of Education, Justice, Community Development, Housing and Works, Local Government and Police, worked collaboratively to address social issues in these areas. In addition, each area had been targeted for truancy. Individuals and families at risk of offending were given special attention and support.
"We have put in place diversion programs for young people at risk - such as basketball competitions and skate parks - to reduce boredom and provide constructive alternatives to offending," Mrs Roberts said.
"In some cases this has involved sporting idols like Ricky Grace to train girls in team sports such as basketball and mentoring support."
The Minister said the Government had deliberately taken a high profile approach to make everyone aware of the campaign and to give offenders fair notice.
In Carnarvon, during the current school holidays, the police air wing, mounted police and police traffic branch had conducted intensive and high visibility policing.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
