Elsie Lange
The overall crime rate in the Macedon Ranges decreased 26 per cent last year, while it fell 18 per cent in Hume.
From robbery to arson, stalking to drug manufacturing, Crime Statistics Agency data demonstrates a general downturn in most recorded offences.
In Gisborne, the crime rate plummeted by 25 per cent, 20 per cent in Kyneton and 41 per cent in Woodend.
Sunbury recorded a 16 per cent downturn in crime, while Diggers Rest and Bulla experienced increases in crime, at 33 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.
Bulla’s increase can be linked to a sharp increase to breaches of orders – in 2020 there were just eight offences, in 2021, there were 71.
Breaches of orders include breaches of family violence orders, intervention orders and bail conditions.
The crime behind Diggers Rest’s increase was theft, with 42 offences recorded in 2021, compared to 15 in 2020.
A spokesperson from the Macedon Ranges crime investigation unit said he has seen the reduction in crime on the ground, especially since they adopted a “community policing approach” about six months ago.
“We’re engaging at the policing level with these offenders, where we refer them to programs to treat the cause of their offending, whether it be drug use, or alcoholism, or breakdown of family, or breakdown of financial circumstances,” the spokesperson said. He said a change in personnel and a younger police force in the region had a tangible impact on communities in the region.
“We’re not above the community, we are the community,” he said.
Victoria Police regional operations Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said they were “pleased” Victoria had the lowest number of victims in the state since 2010.
“While it is likely that overall crime will increase as the community returns to normality, the early signs are relatively positive,” Mr Nugent said.
“To date, we have not seen a rapid return across all crime categories, with police intelligence indicating overall offending still remains below pre-pandemic levels.”
