Denmark still safe and sound

Denmark’s reputation as one of the safest places to live in regional WA continues to ring true after it was revealed only five burglaries were committed in the town in the past 12 months.

Police efforts to nullify volume crime have resulted in burglaries dropping 66 per cent from an impressively low crime rate in 2012.

It is in stark contrast to Albany, with statistics revealed last week showing some suburbs had a concerning increase in burglaries and assaults, with Spencer Park and Orana leading the way.

Denmark was recognised as the second safest place to reside in regional WA in 2012 with only eight crimes committed per 1000 people.

Denmark police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Andy Dunn said the statistics showed the local community cared about its safety and were prepared to take ownership of the issue.

“We proactively engage the community to report suspicious behaviour,” he said.

“It is all about getting that impact from the community. There are only a few of us and a lot of them. Your home is your castle, so results like that are very pleasing.”

However, Denmark recorded 28 assaults including domestic and non-domestic from February 2013 to February 2014 which Sen. Sgt Dunn puts down to a Statewide change in reporting the crime.

He said the efforts of the station’s five officers to maintain law and order had a big focus on engagement.

“We are dealing with opportunistic crime so we advise people to take extra precaution,” he said.

“As an agency we do all we can and it’s not one we can tackle alone.”

Mt Barker also experienced a reduction in crime, recording only seven home burglaries in the past 12 months, down from 25 in the previous 12 months from February 2012-13.

Assaults, burglaries on other dwellings and steal motor vehicle offences were also down.