New Crime Statistics Agency data reveals breaches of court orders, theft, drug use and possession continue to be major drivers of crime in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.
Figures for the year to July 30, released last week, show overall crime in Hume was up 14.2 per cent, with almost 19,000 incidents recorded.
Total offences in the Macedon Ranges increased 13.6 per cent to 2259.
Hume police’s Acting Inspector Anthony Brown said while there was a significant increase in the number of court orders not being obeyed – from 1628 to 2332 – the data showed police were actively pursing breaches.
‘‘That reflects our commitment to ensuring the orders are upheld,’’ he said.
‘‘There has been a focus change and a concerted effort in relation to family violence, which is obviously something that’s a high priority for us.’’
Hume recorded a 3.7 per cent increase in family incidents, from 2906 to 3014. Homicides were up 75 per cent, from eight to 14, robberies increased 30 per cent, from 79 to 103, and thefts were up 13 per cent, from 5441 to 6139.
Drug use and possession increased 116 per cent to 919, due to the rollout of roadside saliva kits earlier this year, and weapons offences rose 42 per cent to 842.
Acting Inspector Brown said operations were bearing fruit.
‘‘What it shows was police are out there making a concerted effort and not ignoring the issues.
“Some of our crime is definitely drug-related, so we’re doing our best to investigate it.’’
Macedon Ranges police’s Acting Inspector Paul Cliffe was pleased with a 6.9 per cent reduction in family violence, continuing a recent trend.
But he was disappointed by a 25 per cent increase in breaches of court orders.
‘‘A lot of those relate to family violence. The orders are getting put in place, but people are not obeying them,’’ he said.
Arson was down 54 per cent to 28 offences, drug use and possession went up 132 per cent to 170, and weapons offences 120 per cent to 110 in the Macedon Ranges.
