26/7/04
Carnarvon will be the first regional centre in Western Australia to launch a direct attack on burglaries through the State Government's highly successful Operation Burglary Countdown.
Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said the 12-month blitz would commence this week, following a successful trial of the operation in Perth suburbs which has resulted in nearly a 40 per cent drop in burglary.
Mrs Roberts said Operation Countdown involved Government agencies joining forces with the local community to develop recreational activities for young people at risk.
"Burglary is not just a police problem, it is a community problem," she said.
"By creating new crime-fighting partnerships, we can tackle burglary and work even closer to prevent young people from getting bored and committing reckless acts of crime."
In Carnarvon to launch Operation Burglary Countdown, Mrs Roberts commended the local management team for their commitment to tackling burglaries and improving community safety.
The Minister said there had been nearly an 18 per cent decrease in burglaries over the last six months - part of a downward trend which had occurred over the last three years.
"There is no room for complacency in tackling burglary," she said.
"This Government is committed to reducing the rate of burglaries throughout our State.
"DNA profiling and police operations are having a major impact in reducing burglaries, but to successfully target this insidious crime there is no single approach and community-based activities are complementing the enforcement program.
"I encourage all local businesses, schools, community groups and residents in Carnarvon to get involved with the local management team to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve public safety."
Mrs Roberts said the Office of Crime Prevention was co-ordinating Operation Burglary Countdown with the assistance of the WA Police Service, Departments of Justice, Community Development, Sport and Recreation, Housing and Works, and Education, local government and community groups.
She said Carnarvon's Operation Burglary Countdown would involve a string of community-based and policing initiatives including:
- awareness and advice for householders;
- free home security audits for victims of burglary;
- support and advice for victims;
- intelligence-based policing targeting known and repeat offenders;
- targeting of stolen goods disposal routes to make it tougher for burglars to move stolen property; and
- development of diversionary recreational programs for youth at risk.
"If the success of Operation Burglary Countdown in the trial program is any indication, Carnarvon businesses and residents can look forward to a real reduction in the number of burglaries," the Minister said.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
