Last week, crime statistics released

by Victoria Police revealed there were 226 drug offences between October 2008 and this September, compared with 144 in the previous 12-month period.

Robberies also went up by 12.4per cent from 113 to 127 and residential burglary from 774 to 845 (9.2per cent).

Assaults rose from 507 to 551 (8.7per cent) and crime against the person from 781 to 836 (7per cent).

Some crimes significantly decreased. The number of burglaries fell from 652 to 460 (-29.4per cent), theft from cars from 481 to 392 (-18.5per cent) and crime against property from 7982 to 6694 (-16.1per cent).

Monash's Inspector Graeme Sprague said that, while theft from cars had decreased, it continued to be a major problem in the municipality.

Police urged people to secure their cars and remove all valuable items such as mobile phones, satellite

navigation devices, handbags and sport bags.

"We have increased the visible police presence in areas where street assaults and antisocial behaviour is commonly occurring," Inspector Sprague said.

"The community can also help us to make Monash a safer place, by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour and noting registration numbers of suspicious vehicles."

Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.