There has been an increase in crime across Ocean Grove and the Bellarine, according to Crime Statistics Agency’s (CSA) latest data.
CSA released its data for the year ending June 30, 2025, on September 25, which found 25,662 total offences this year recorded for Greater Geelong, which incorporates Ocean Grove and the Bellarine, reaching its highest point in nine years.
Two Ocean Grove and Bellarine suburbs recorded their highest numbers over nine years, including St Leonards, with 271 offences in 2025 from 176 in 2024, and Portarlington, with 241 in 2025 from 199 in 2024.
Western Region Division One Superintendent Michael Reid said theft from motor vehicles and retail theft remained among the fastest-growing crimes across the state.
“Keeping our community safe is our top priority, and we’re committed to driving down crime in Greater Geelong through strong enforcement and prevention,” he said.
“Our officers are working side by side with major shopping centres and plain-clothed loss prevention officers, to target retail theft and identify shop thieves.
“Disrupting the supply of illicit drugs also remains a key priority, and the rise in trafficking and possession offences reflects the proactive work of our local uniform members and detectives.
“We urge anyone who falls victim to crime to report it immediately, as timely reporting gives us the best chance of recovering evidence, identifying offenders and solving a case.”
The data also found a 24.2 per cent increase in recorded theft offences across Greater Geelong from 7107 in 2024 to 8822 in 2025.
Leopold recorded a high increase of theft with 203 offences in 2025 from 97 in 2024, while the total of property and deception offences rose in Drysdale with 137 in 2025 from 82 in 2024.
Barwon Heads recorded its highest ever number of breaches of orders over nine years, with 46 offences recorded in 2025 compared to six offences in 2024.
Ocean Grove saw a decrease in its total recorded offences over the past year by 19.6 per cent from 505 in 2024 to 406 in 2025.
