Victoria Police has today responded to claims that it is not adequately responding to a rise in assaults and robberies on Indian students.Victoria Police is concerned by this trend and does not condone racism in any form.

In saying that, Victoria Police believes that a majority of these assaults and robberies are based on opportunity, not race.

Victoria Police is not ignoring this issue and has dedicated significant resources to the problem. We have doubled the size of our Embona Robbery Taskforce and only last week detectives arrested and charged seven offenders for robbery related offences.

The third of a series of planned operations tackling robberies and anti social behaviour in the western suburbs earlier this month resulted in police arresting 20 offenders for 19 various offences including intentionally cause injury, possess controlled weapon and hinder police.

In addition to police enforcement, in January, the Brimbank Police Service Area launched the Police Indian Western Reference Group. The group involves various community organisations and members of the Indian community who collectively discuss ways to decrease the level of victimisation of Indian students.

As a result of this group, a helpline that will provide support, information and advice to the Indian community who are victims of crime will be launched in Melbourne on Friday.

Victoria Police is involved in crime prevention education with international students, developing strong relationships with universities in Melbourne's west.

This is not just a police issue. There is a need for people to take responsibility for their own safety and for the community to play an active role in addressing this issue.

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