DRUG offences in the Swan Hill Police Service Area (PSA) have climbed above the state average, according to new figures from Victoria Police.
The overall recorded crime rate across the state has increased by 3.3 per cent between the year up to September 2013 and September 2014, measured as a rate per 100,000 of the population which is standard across Australia.
Drug offences have increased by 14.4 per cent, while the total number of offences recorded is up by 5.3 per cent
In the Swan Hill PSA — which covers Swan Hill, Gannawarra and Buloke municipalities — there has been a rise of 15.2 per cent in total crime.
Meanwhile, incidents of residential burglary, property damage and assault have decreased.
Looking to road statistics, the number of fatalities increased from five to nine, with the total number of injuries up 21.5 per cent.
The largest change can bee seen in thefts from motor vehicles and drug offences — up 33.7 per cent and 32.8 per cent respectively.
Swan Hill Police Acting Inspector Gary Hughes said there were efforts in the community to stem drug offences and the use of drugs.
“On the one hand it is unfortunate to see a rise in drug offences, although be assured we have committed additional resources to gather intelligence and action operations to apprehend offenders,” Acting Insp Hughes said.
“[A drug prevention] plan will allow opportunities for people from other work areas and sporting clubs to be trained as champions against the taking of insidious drugs, such as methamphetamine.”
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Monday’s Guardian (December 8).
