Sex | Sex Crimes On The Increase In And Around Melbourne's CBD

SEX crimes are on the rise in the CBD and its surrounds, leading Victoria Police to establish a new unit to attack the problem.

Crime statistics for the Melbourne Police Service Area, released last week, showed there were 100 rapes in 2010/11, up from 82 in 2009/10. Non-rape sex crimes increased 37.3 per cent, from 185 to 254.

Police spokesman Kelly Yates said police were aware of the matter and were setting up new Sexual Offences and Child Investigation Teams (SOCIT) across the state.

"The highly specialised teams investigate crimes and work in partnership with health and support services in each case," Ms Yates said.

"Melbourne PSA is currently in transition from the former Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit to SOCIT."

Despite the rise in sex offences, the total number of crimes in the Melbourne PSA fell 10.2 per cent across the board last year.

Residential burglary, shoplifting, drug dealing and handling stolen goods were all offences well down on 2009/10 levels.

Melbourne Inspectors Bernie Jackson and Paul Ross said police would continue to work closely with the public and licensees to reduce alcohol-related street violence. Meanwhile, total crime in the neighbouring Yarra PSA fell 3.6 per cent, but this included a large jump in offences of making and dealing in drugs.

Yarra Inspector Bernie Edwards said successful policing was largely responsible for the 55.4 per cent increase in the number of drug-related crimes recorded, which jumped from 186 to 289.

>>Have you noticed a drop in criminal and anti-social behaviour in and around the CBD these past 12 months? Tell us below