Macedon Ranges has recorded an uptick in criminal offences recorded, with a 5.1 per cent increase in the 12 months to December 2023, new crime data reveals.
Crime Statistics Agency data released on March 21, reveals there were 2131 total offences recorded, which is an increase of 104 incidents from the 12 months prior.
Breach of family violence order continued to dominate crime in Macedon Ranges, again recording 268 offences recorded in the 12 months to December.
Offences recorded remained steady in Kyneton with an increase of just four offences. Gisborne came in second with an increase of 24 offences and Woodend was third with 75 more offences.
Despite being more than four years on from COVID-19, Victoria Police has continued to compare statistics prior to this time.
A police spokesperson said “overall crime in Macedon Ranges has dropped by 22 per cent since pre-pandemic”.
“This includes decreases in both home break-ins and motor vehicle thefts. Our number one priority is community safety, and we will continue to focus on preventing areas of crime that cause the most harm.”
Hume recorded an increase of 0.9 per cent, and Sunbury had the third highest offences with 2397 offences recorded, which is an increase of 163 compared to 12 months prior.
Stealing from a motor vehicle overtook breach of family violence order as the top crime offence in Hume, compared to the 12 months to September.
It recorded an increase of 261 offences, from the prior 12 months, to total 1983 offences recorded.
The police spokesperson said “when population growth is considered, overall crime in Hume has actually dropped by two percent in the last year”.
“Residential break-ins have also dropped by three percent in the last year. While police work 24/7 to detect and deter crime across Hume, we are also calling on the community to play their part and lock their properties and cars.”
Zoe Moffatt
