The crime rate in the Macedon Ranges has dropped by more than 14 per cent in the year to September, according to data released last week.
The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) statistics reveal 2240 offences were recorded in the Macedon Ranges in the year to September, compared with 2627 in 2020.
The state registered a 10 per cent decrease in total offences recorded.
CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said the timing of COVID-19 restrictions played a role in the dip in numbers.
“COVID-19-related restrictions on movement have continued to coincide with decreases in the more opportunistic crime types such as theft, however, there have been fewer breaches [chief health officer’s] directions offences recorded in the past 12 months,” Ms Dowsley said.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rich Nugent said it was pleasing to see a the crime rate trend down.
“We are particularly encouraged by the reduced number of burglaries, robberies and thefts, offences that can be very distressing for victims,” Deputy Commissioner Nugent said.
“Less crime also means fewer victims, with a reduction in 27,338 victim reports in the last 12 months.
‘This represents the largest decrease in victim reports and lowest count in 10 years. Pleasingly, this includes a decrease in person victims with 15,212 fewer person victim reports in the past year.”
The Macedon Ranges also recorded a dramatic 17.8 decrease in total family violence incidents, in the past year, which was inconsistent with the rest of the state.
Victoria recorded an overall 4.3 per cent increase in family violence offences.
Meanwhile the number of total offences in Hume was down 15.8 per cent compared with last year.
Sunbury was ranked in the top three for the most offences recorded across Hume (2688), behind Craigieburn (3788) and Broadmeadows (2856).
Mr Nugent said Victoria Police’s focus will shift to keeping the community safe over the holiday period.
“This will be achieved through a number of ongoing statewide and local operations to detect and deter crime before it can occur, monitor known persons of interest before they offend, and bring those who commit crimes before the courts,” he said.
