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21 JUNE, 2022
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Green thumb generation Multiple primary schools and early learning centres in Melton and Moorabool are being supported to bring to life new sustainability projects, to help kids learn about looking after the environment. In the latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants, two primary schools and two early learning centres in Melton and Bacchus Marsh were awarded up to $1000 to develop projects focussed on sustainable food production and waste management practices. Through the new projects, local pupils will learn new skills to help them grow to become eco-friendly green thumbs. ■
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Strathtulloh Primary School pupils Adit, Skylah, Annabella and Enzo are excited to grow their community garden. (Damjan Janevski) 285220_01
Big drop in drug crime By Olivia Condous The crime rate across Melton and Moorabool has dropped significantly in the year to March, 2022, according to latest Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data. The total number of recorded criminal offences fell 13 per cent in the City of Melton, in the year to March. According to the data, there were 13,993 criminal offences recorded in the 12 months to March, 2021, and 12,103 recorded in the same period this year. Despite the overall decrease in crime, burglary and robbery offences increased in
Melton over the 12 month period, by 13 and 32 per cent respectively. There was a 33 per cent drop in drug related offences recorded, marking the lowest amount recorded over the past seven years. Weapons and explosives offences also dropped by 25 per cent. While the crime rate overall dropped, some suburbs in the area did experience increases. Caroline Springs had a 10 per cent increase in assault offences and an 82 per cent jump in burglary, breaking and entering offences from 33 to 62 recorded. Bonnie Brook and Deanside experienced increases in thefts recorded, with 50 and 39
more offences respectively recorded compared to the previous 12 months. The total number of recorded offences in Diggers Rest also increased by 18 per cent. Melton Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans acknowledged while crime was down in the Melton local government area, police were committed to providing a high visible presence to deter offending. “Most crime categories have recorded decreases, with robberies in the Melton area being slightly increased,” she said. “It should be noted that most offenders committing these robberies are identified quickly and we ensure that victims are provided
welfare support. “We are actively running enforcement operations to disrupt and deter offending, while also focusing on early intervention initiatives to deter people away from crimes.” In Moorabool , there was a 22 per cent decrease in the total criminal offences recorded. The larger towns in the region individually experienced a significant reduction in crime, with a 36 per cent decrease overall in Bacchus Marsh and a 53 per cent drop in Ballan. However, across the whole shire there was a 19 per cent increase in drug offences and a 55 per cent increase in stalking and harassment crimes recorded.
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