Hannah Hammoud
Recorded criminal offences have increased by 4.6 per cent across Brimbank in the 12 months to June, according to new data from the Crime Statistics Agency.
Brimbank recorded 753 more offences in the 12 months to June 2023, compared to the previous 12 months, with a total of 17,122 criminal offences.
There was an increase in offences in St Albans and Sunshine, remaining the top two spots respectively for offences in the municipality.
Stealing from a motor vehicle (2215 offences recorded), and other theft (1582 offences recorded) remained as the top two offences in Brimbank.
Though Victoria Police has opted to refer to pre-pandemic levels as a more ‘accurate’ comparison to crime rates across the state.
“Given the twelve months to June 2022 included around three months of strict COVID lockdowns, the most accurate comparator when gauging overall Victorian crime trends is the most recent reporting period unaffected by any restrictions – the twelve months to June 2019,” said Victoria Police.
Brimbank Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Pat Cantone said compared to pre-pandemic levels, overall crime in the Brimbank area is 8.5 per cent lower.
Inspector Cantone said Brimbank police will continue to focus on youth crime, home burglaries, car thefts, and firearm related violence.
“We are making significant strides in each of these areas, as we continue to prioritise our resources according to the latest crime trends, community concerns, and ultimately where we can prevent the most harm,” he said.
Brimbank recorded a 3.2 per cent increase in family violence incidents compared to the previous 12 months, however compared to pre-pandemic levels, Inspector Cantone said incidents have remained ‘steady’, having risen by 0.7 per cent.
“While this is positive, the issue of family violence will continue to be a major priority for Brimbank police – no one should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home,” he said.
“The statistics indicate we are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders which highlights the proactive approach taken to monitor offenders and hold them accountable for their actions.”
