The number of crimes recorded in Greater Geelong fell three per cent in the year to June, latest Crime Statistics Agency data reveals.
In the 12 months to June, 14,703 offences were recorded, down from 15,165 in the 12 months prior,
Across Victoria, crime fell by 10 per cent, with 469,506 criminal offences recorded, down from 521,645.
Despite the overall drop in criminal offences, Geelong recorded a rise in thefts, with 3265 thefts reported in the year to June, compared with 2762 in the year to June, 2021.
The increase was largley driven by thefts from motor vehciles, which rose from 1567 in June 2021 to 2011 in June this year.
Overall, Victorian theft-related offences were at their lowest levels since the introduction of the Law Enforcement Assistance Program in 1993, with car thefts down from 22,253 in 2017 to 14,670 this year.
Both drug offences and weapons and explosives offences were significantly lower in the Geelong region, by approximately 30 and 20 per cent, respectively.
Crime rates dropped during the period of the pandemic as lockdowns and restriction curtailed opportunities for criminal offending, and despite concerns crime figures could rise as restrictions lifted they had instead continued to fall overall, Victorian PoliceRegional Operations Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said.
“Continued low crime rates are a positive sign as we move further away from the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, which we know impacted the ability for criminals to offend,” he said.
“In perhaps the most pleasing sign, we saw the lowest number of victims of crime in Victoria since the introduction of the Law Enforcement Assistance Program in 1993.
“Our members pull on the blue uniform every day to keep the community safe and will continue to do everything possible to prevent innocent people from becoming a victim of crime.”
“There are plenty of encouraging signs – the lowest number of home burglaries since 1993, least robberies since 2005, lowest number of cars stolen since 2011, decreasing family violence rates, less assaults, and reduced numbers of firearm and weapon offences,” he said.
Commissioner Nugent said police would continue to target those forms of crime that were particularly damaging to Victorians.
“Our focus will remain steadfast on ensuring the community not is only safe but feels safe,” he said.
“Victoria Police will retain an intense focus on those causing the most harm. Our Neighbourhood Policing Model will also ensure local police are tackling the local issues the community care most about, resulting in more visible police, targeted police interventions to fix issues, and open communication with community members.”
