DECEMBER 19, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
On a mission for charity Sunshine Mission is putting out an urgent call for donations following an alarming increase in the number of people requiring food. Sunshine Mission manager Casey O’Brien said the problem has been exacerbated with Christmas looming. “Across the board we’ve seen a 14 per cent rise in people requiring assistance from the year ending August 2017,” Mr O’Brien said. “Christmas typically sees a lot of people facing financial hardship and this time of the year sees that number increased to about 20 per cent. “The problem is particularly prevalent among females, pensioners and we’ve seen a rise in the number of New Zealanders requiring assistance too.” This year the mission is once again taking part in the Food for Families appeal. Mr O’Brien urged people to be mindful about what they donate. “We’re really after staple foods like rice, pasta and tinned food.” Donations can be made to the Sunshine Mission at 32 Withers Street, Sunshine.
Material aid worker Trudy with volunteers Wendy and George. (Joe Mastroianni)
Tate Papworth
Brimbank crime slides By Tate Papworth Crimes recorded in Brimbank have dropped by 11.5 per cent. Figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency last week show that 17,300 offences took place in Brimbank during the year ending September, 2017, down from the 19,549 recorded in the previous year. Police investigation and response Inspector for Brimbank and Melton, Dave Byrt, said the steep decline was a step in the right direction.
“We’re very happy with the figures,” he said. “They’re certainly vindication of hard work. We acknowledge that there’s still a lot of work to be done, but this is certainly a positive step.” Burglaries and break-and-enter offences have declined from 2023 to 1627. Inspector Byrt said the 19.5 per cent drop was a direct result of targeted policing. “Burglaries and home invasions are trending in the right direction, which is something we’ve invested significant resources in,” he said. “As part of operation Regnant, we had additional members on duty targeting known
offenders, particularly at times we knew offences were more likely to take place.” Drugs offences also fell, dropping from 1539 offences in 2016 to 1247 this year. Crimes against the person was the only category that increased, climbing to 2739 from 2562. Inspector Byrt said the rise could partly be attributed to a change in legislation. “Recent changes in legislation have seen more crime reports, especially in sex offences,” he said. “Places like schools are required to report incidents, which has all contributed to that rise.”
While crimes against the person rose, assault and related offences dropped by two per cent. There were 1514 assault and related offences, down on the 1545 recorded in the previous year. Inspector Byrt said the public has a large role to play in keeping the figures tracking down. “The police can’t do this on their own,” he said. “We need public assistance to keep the area safe. “People should remember to lock their doors at night and make sure their cars are locked in a safe location.”
ELVIS Tribute Show 12375746-RA52-17 10055349-17
with full Band and Dancers
ROAST TURKEY & SEASONAL VEGETABLES TRADITIONAL PLUM PUDDING ALL DECEMBER LUNCH/DINNER MAIN $28 SENIOR $22
TAYLORS LAKES HOTEL
We wish all our Fantastic customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 7 MELTON HIGHWAY
PH: 9217 9500
Friday 22nd December 2017 Doors Open at 6.30pm A Traditional Christmas 2 Course Dinner and Show LAST CHANCE
Pre-Paid Cost: Members $39.00 and Non $42.00
www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au