Overall crime offences rose slightly this year in both Hume and Macedon Ranges, according to new data published by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).
In Hume, there were 14,817 recorded criminal offences in the year ending June 30 – a 12.7 per cent rise from the 13,152 recorded offences in the previous year.
In Sunbury, recorded offences rose to 1808 this year – 225 more than the 1583 recorded in the year prior.
The statistics revealed that the top offences in Hume were stealing from a motor vehicle (2124 offences recorded), other theft (1770 offences recorded), and criminal damage (1188 offences recorded).
A Victoria Police spokesperson said that stealing from a motor vehicle and motor vehicle theft are some of the fastest growing crimes across the state.
“We urge the community to take simple measures such [as] removing valuables and ensuring cars are locked at all times,” the spokesperson said.
“Property crime remains a key priority for … Hume police. The community can be assured we’re focused on the issue and have a number of proactive operations coming up in the area.”
Macedon Ranges saw a slight increase of 1.1 per cent when compared to the previous year’s statistics, with 1584 recorded offences this year.
Offences rose from 361 to 406 in Kyneton and 320 to 351 in Gisborne, putting these two towns at the top of the list for recorded offences.
The top offences recorded in Macedon Ranges were other theft (175 offences recorded), criminal damage (150 offences recorded) and family violence order breaches (150 offences recorded).
Victoria Police superintendent Brad Dixon said that opportunistic crimes continue to be a major concern for police.
“When population growth is considered, crime in the Macedon Ranges is at its second lowest level in a decade,” Mr Dixon said.
“Over the past year, there were 289 family violence order breaches, which is due to the proactive work of our specialist family violence unit detectives who work every day to target perpetrators and keep victims safe.”
Across Victoria, there were 552,228 criminal offences recorded in the 12 months to June 2024, an increase of 46,014 offences or 9.1 per cent from the previous 12 months.
