Crime has risen in Hume and the Macedon Ranges, according to the latest quarterly statistics released by the agency responsible for tracking Victoria’s crime.
In the 12 months to June, the Macedon Ranges recorded 2666 offences, up by 24.4 per cent from last year in the same period (2143).
Criminal offences in that time period increased by 15.7 per cent across the state.
Kyneton topped the list, with a total of 689 offences recorded in the period, up from 518.
This was followed by Gisborne with 506, Woodend with 333, Riddells Creek with 181 and Lancefield with 176 recorded in the 12 months to June.
Of these, only Riddells Creek saw a reduction of offences recorded from the previous year, by a total of seven offences.
The top offence recorded was breach of a family violence order with 356 reported.
Other theft, criminal damage, stealing from a motor vehicle and stealing from a retail store all cracked the top five.
While criminal offences were up 15.3 per cent in the 12 months to June in Hume, it was below the state increase by 0.4 per cent.
Crime in Sunbury rose from the previous reporting period, with 2817 offences which is 2507 offences recorded in the 12 months to June 2024.
Theft was the top crime recorded in the suburb.
Across Hume, stealing from a motor vehicle was the top offence recorded with 3642, followed by other theft, breach of a family violence order, motor vehicle theft, and criminal damage.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said that this level of crime cannot continue or be accepted.
“We will continue to make arrests and hold offenders to account, but we need to prevent and deter crime to reduce offending so that there are fewer victims in Victoria,” he said.
“Victoria Police has set an ambitious target of reducing serious and violent crime by five per cent each year. There is no doubt this will be a challenge, but it is a fight we are up for to ensure our community remains as safe as possible.”
