REPORTED 'crimes against the person are on the rise in Cardinia Shire, though total crime numbers are stable, according to statistics released for 2008-09.
'Crimes against the person', adjusted for the population increase, rose from 535 in October 2007-September 2008 to 650 in the following 12 months - a 21 per cent rise.
Individual reported crimes on the rise include assaults (up 17.6 per cent) and robberies (up 31.2 per cent).
In crimes against property, there was a rise in thefts from motor cars (up 11.7 per cent), arson offences (up 19 per cent) and crimes relating to deception more than doubled.
The statistics showed a significant decrease in aggravated burglaries, incidences of property damage and sexual assaults.
Total crime per 100,000 people increased by 0.5per cent.
Inspector Hadyn Downes of the Cardinia police said police were continuing to target road trauma, assaults, commercial burglaries, property damage and theft of and from motor vehicles.
"While Cardinia's population increases with new houses and businesses being built, our policing remains focused on preventing collisions and crimes.
"Reporting crimes and suspicious activity is vital in helping police to reduce crimes and detect offenders."
He said targeted patrols of roads would continue.
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