By Sam Porter
Crime in Brimbank is at the highest levels since the Covid lockdown period, according to the latest statistics.
New data released by the Crime Statistics Agency shows there were 18,760 offences recorded in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, up 8.8 per cent compared to the previous year’s 17,243.
Theft from motor vehicles remains the most common crime at 2775, followed by breaches of family violence orders (1713) and other forms of theft (1702).
Other common crimes include criminal damage (1378) and the theft of motor vehicles (1048).
St Albans and Sunshine continue to be the main hotspots for crime, recording 3725 and 3388 offences respectively.
Deer Park (1537), Sunshine West (1535) and Sunshine North (1456) also made the list for most common suburbs for crime.
Houses were the top location for crimes in Brimbank and rose to 5579, up 333 from the previous year.
Offences taking place on local streets and footpaths (3067) as well as single-level carparks (830) also increased in the 12-month period.
While Brimbank’s crime rate increase is lower than the state’s 17.1 per cent, the most common offence remains the same according to Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Kerrie Clarke.
“Theft from motor vehicles is the most commonly reported and detected crime across the state,” she said.
“Both theft of cars, and from cars, make up 20 per cent of all crime in Brimbank.”
Acting Inspector Clarke said there are simple measures locals can take to prevent themselves falling victim.
“Always lock your car, remove valuables, never leave your car unattended while running, and where possible, park off the street,” she said.
Police also recommend using anti-theft screws to secure number plates to vehicles.
“About a third of all thefts from cars in Brimbank relate to the theft of number plates,” Acting Inspector Clarke said.
A recent co-ordinated operation dubbed ‘Operation Ghost’ targeted dangerous drivers and car thieves in Brimbank.
Thirty-three people were arrested during the four-day operation which took place from May 28 to 31.
“We will continue to run targeted operations, including Operation Ghost, in the future,” Acting Inspector Clarke said.
