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Crime hits a 10-year low By Laura Michell Crime in Brimbank fell to a 10-year low in the 12 months to March, new crime data reveals. According to Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data, 16,839 offences were recorded in Brimbank in the year to March, down 11.8 per cent from March 2021, when 19,082 offences were recorded. The CSA data shows that as of March this year, the municipality’s crime rate had fallen to its lowest level since 2013 (18,643), when CSA records began. Acting Inspector Jamie Walker described the drop in overall crime across Brimbank as “incredibly positive”. “It is especially pleasing to see steady decreases in crimes against the person, theft offences including vehicle theft which greatly impact the community,” Acting Inspector Walker said. “The decrease in overall crime can also be attributed to the drop in the number of chief health officer breaches that occurred last year, with an approximate 86 per cent drop in the number of public health and safety offences as we saw greater compliance in the community with the CHO directions. “We are seeing really low crime rates as the community gradually comes out of the pandemic, however we are prepared for increases through our proactive operations and by maintaining a highly visible presence in the community to not only detect but deter offending before it occurs.” While overall crime fell, Brimbank recorded a 12.4 per cent increase in thefts from motor vehicles, with 2377 offences recorded in the year to March, up from 2114 the previous year. “Unfortunately we saw an increase in thefts from vehicles, however when comparing with pre-pandemic levels the figures remain relatively stable. Our intelligence indicates the vast majority of these offences occur when cars are left unlocked or windows are left open, so while we will continue to run regular operations to target this offending we are urging the community to ensure their valuable items are secure, including locking car doors and not leaving valuable items in plain sight in their vehicles,” Acting Inspector Walker said. Brimbank also recorded a 2.3 per cent increase in breaches of family violence orders (1703 offences recorded) despite a 6.1 per cent drop in family violence incidents in the year to March.
Modelling positivity Tishya Del Rosario hopes to promote body positivity while competing in Top Model Australia. The St Albans resident will compete in the model search competition’s national final on Sunday, July 10. The winner will travel to London to compete at an international level and walk in London Fashion Week in September. The 23-year-old said she wanted to let other young women know that they are not alone in their body struggles. Tishya, who is an Instagram influencer, gave birth to her son in 2021 after completing her final year of an international business degree at RMIT. She said that during her pregnancy she experienced a lot of criticisms about her body because she was known for her ‘petite’ look. “I felt then the sting of online bullying and body shaming and trolls that would even create ghost accounts to leave hurtful comments,” she said. “No one should be able to comment about your body and let that stop you from believing in yourself and your own goals. “I want to show through this journey in Top Model to other young women that in their body struggles, they are not alone and to never let anyone belittle your worth to their standards.”
Tishya Del Rosario will compete in Top Model Australia’s national final in July. (Damjan Janevski) 285654_07
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