REPORTED crime has dropped at Richmond's public housing estate a year after CCTV was installed.
Crime statistics released by police and the Ministry of Housing last week showed the number of reported assaults had fallen from 13 in 2010-11 to seven in 2011-12.
The reported number of burglaries dropped from eight to two; robbery from 11 to five, and property damage from 14 to 10.
Those caught cultivating, possessing or trafficking drugs increased from 13 to 20 during the same time.
There was an overall reduction in offences, from 153 to 125.
CCTV and a police command post were set up at the Elizabeth Street estate in June last year in a bid to cut the area's escalating drug-related crime.
Four cameras were set up in an area bounded by Elizabeth, Church, Victoria and Lennox streets. Police monitor CCTV footage and send officers to respond to trouble.
At the time, Housing Minister Wendy Lovell said the operation was about making the estate's 218 residents feel safer. A report is being prepared for Ms Lovell on the operation.
Senior Sergeant Ciaran Boyle said police were pleased with the results and positive feedback from residents and nearby traders.
"I am committed to making the Yarra community safer and want residents and retailers to know we take public safety seriously," he said. "We aim to refer offenders to support services to try and stop the cycle of offending." Mr Boyle said police wanted CCTV in other public housing estates in the Yarra area.