Recently released statistics show crime in the Northern Grampians region is at a four-year low.
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The Crime Statistics Agency released data on Thursday highlighting 963 offences had been committed in the Northern Grampians region until September this year.
It is the lowest number recorded for the region since 2014, dropping by 17.8 per cent from last year.
Stawell Police Station Commander Senior Sergeant Tevis Wright said any reduction in crime is a “big win”.
“Any reduction is a real positive,” he said.
“It probably has a bit to do with strengthened bail legislation introduced this year.
“We have been able to hold offenders accountable if they are commiting crime while on bail. We are holding more of those repeat offenders in custody.”
It is the second consecutive year offence numbers have dropped in the region across the same time of year.
Northern Grampians recorded an offence rate of 8417.2 per 100,000 people, just slightly above the Western Region average of 8334.2.
Assault and related offences (117) also dropped to its lowest number since 2011 while overall drug offences decreased by 22.3 per cent.
Stawell also experienced a drop in crime, experiencing a 12 per cent decrease.
Senior Sergeant Wright said a shift in focus from police in the region could be part of the reason the numbers have been steadily declining.
“We have been focusing on the people involved in crime – both the offenders and the victims,” he said.
“Rather than focus on the crime itself we are trying to hold an offender accountable and refer them to support networks to address underlying of the causes of the crime.
“We are also throwing plenty of support behind victims to ensure they don’t become a victim again.”
Senior Sergeant Wright said despite the positive numbers, police in the area will continue to work towards reducing crime.
“Our job is never over, we will continue to work to keep the community safe.”
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