Zoe Moffatt
Family violence incidents increased by 10 per cent in the Macedon Ranges in 2022, new crime data reveals.
Crime Statistics Agency data, released Thursday, March 16, reveals there were 461 recorded family violence incidents in the Macedon Ranges in the 12 months to December 31, 2022, up from 419 incidents 12 months prior.
Breach of family violence order was the top crime offence in Macedon Ranges, with 267 offences recorded in 2022, compared to 209 in the previous year.
Victoria Police deputy commissioner of regional operations Rick Nugent Victoria Police would continue concentrating on family violence.
He said family violence investigation unit detectives focused on known family violence perpetrators and victims daily to detect offending and support those impacted.
Overall, there were 2032 total offences recorded in 2022 in the region, compared to 2024 offences the previous year.
Crime in Kyneton increased by 80 offences, Woodend increased by 51 offences, Riddells Creek increased by 41 offences, and Macedon increased by 15 offences, while crime recorded in Gisborne decreased by 59 offences.
Sunbury’s crime rate fell in 2022, with the town recording 2236 offences, compared to 2472 offences in 2021.
The reduction of offences recorded in Sunbury follows a declining trend, with offences recorded currently at its lowest since 2013.
Hume Acting Inspector Shayne Kerley said Hume is the safest it’s been since 2013 when the Crime Statistics Agency started recording statistics.
“This is a result of targeted patrolling and operations… as well as community engagement through our Neighbourhood Policing framework,” he said.
“Our vision is to continue to drive down crime further and make Hume one of the safest municipalities in Victoria.
“The community can help us do that by simply locking your doors, windows, garages, sheds, cars and chaining up your trailers.”
