Ballarat’s Most Wanted Crime Stoppers campaign has reached more than 53,000 people, led to at least 12 arrests and a significant reduction in high volume crime, the city’s top cop says.
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The Courier, Crime Stoppers and Victoria police have released up to six images of people wanted for some of the most common offences in Ballarat over the last four weeks, as police move to crack down on crime in the city.
Crime Statistics Agency data released in June showed over crime in the city had increased by 13.5 per cent with theft rates rising 30 per cent and arson 128 per cent. Superintendent Andrew Allen said this campaign, combined with subsequent police operations, had helped to almost halve aggravated burglaries in the city.
“It’s outstanding the amount of public co-operation we have received, there have been many hits – first week six arrested, second week three and last week another three,” Superintendent Allen said.
“This week we have released images of another six wanted for volume crime we are encouraging members of the public to keep that information coming in.”
Superintendent Allen said police would catch wanted offenders despite some brazen alleged offenders trying to “play games”.
An alleged car thief with five arrest warrants took to Facebook yesterday to try and fool police and the public that he had already been arrested.
Carl Murray, 26, is one of Ballarat’s most wanted criminals and has been on the run since March. Superintendent Allen said it would not be long before the wanted car thief was arrested.
"This is a well known offender and from our point of view he is still wanted. Offenders can try different tactics - but ultimately we hold the cards and it is only a matter of time before they get caught.
“We have found some wanting to play the system and send us on a merry chase.
“But we have systems in place – and if they want to throw those challenges at us we will certainly chase them up.”
Superintendent Allen said the operation proved the public wanted to support police in moving known offenders off the streets and into custody.
“We’re encouraging those people who are wanted at the moment to come forward, make arrangements to give themselves up or alternatively we will come and find them.”
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
