Zoe Moffatt
Criminal offences recorded in Macedon Ranges have jumped 11.7 per cent in the 12 months to September 2023, new crime data reveals.
Crime Statistics Agency data released late last year, reveals there were 2181 total offences recorded, which is an increase of 229 incidents from the 12 months prior.
Breach of family violence order continued to dominate crime in Macedon Ranges, with 264 offences recorded in the 12 months to September, compared to 223 in the previous year.
Kyneton recorded the highest offences with an increase of 109 offences, Gisborne came in second with an increase of 37 offences and Woodend was third with 71 increased offences.
This data follows an announcement by Victoria Police late last year that Sunbury and Kyneton police stations will have its reception hours reduced from 24 to 16 hours a day.
These reduced counter hours will be introduced in phase two, but Victoria Police has not given exact dates of the changes.
A Victoria Police statement said the reduced hours at reception counters will not mean the actual police stations will be closing.
“We will still have police working from the stations and patrolling the community to respond to urgent incidents and prevent crime in the community,” the statement said.
Hume recorded an increase of 1.5 per cent, and Sunbury had the third highest offences with 2344 offences recorded, which is an increase of 172 compared to 12 months prior.
Stealing from a motor vehicle overtook breach of family violence order as the top crime offence in Hume, compared to the 12 months to September.
It recorded an increase of 328 offences, from the prior 12 months, to total 1980 offences recorded.
Despite these increases, the police statement said over the past two years, crime in Macedon Ranges and Hume has reached its lowest levels in nearly a decade.
“Police are focused not only on responding to criminal activities but also on preventing opportunistic offending including home burglaries and car break ins.
“Our intelligence suggests that a considerable number of car break-ins occur due to unlocked vehicles. Therefore, we strongly urge the community to always secure their properties and vehicles.
“Family violence also remains a priority for police, and the statistics indicate we are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders.”
