Theft from vehicles remains the most common offence in Brimbank according to data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), leaving locals frustrated by the persistent crime.
Recorded criminal offences in Brimbank rose by 4 per cent to 17,960 in the 12 months to September 2024 – an increase of 673 offences compared to the previous 12 months.
With 2422 offences recorded, stealing from a motor vehicle topped the list, which according to Taylors Lakes resident Chris Vella is not unexpected.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all, it’s everywhere,” he said.
“If you have a look at social media, there’s posts around people having their cars broken into all the time.
Recently in broad daylight, items were stolen from Mr Vella’s vehicle which was left unattended for a couple of minutes outside his home.
“I was about to take my son to the station when we noticed there was stuff thrown around in my car everywhere – we realised someone had gone through it,” he said.
“It was an opportunistic crime, I felt really angry.”
According to Brimbank Inspector Matthew Bui, theft from motor vehicles is one of the fastest growing crime types across Victoria.
“Majority of these offences relate to number plates being stolen, with power tools the second most targeted items,” he said.
“The trend of theft from cars in Brimbank is trending well, with just a 4 per cent increase year-on-year which is well below statewide levels.”
Inspector Bui said authorities would work to ensure levels remain low into 2025 as well.
“These crimes continue to be a priority for police,” he said.
“It is important to note the majority of these offences show no signs of forced entry which is why we encourage everyone to take simple precautions such as remove valuables from your car and make sure they are locked at all times.”
Broadly, Inspector Bui added that it was encouraging that criminal incidents in the area hadn’t gone up significantly.
“The level of crime in Brimbank has remained steady, and is trending below pre-pandemic levels which is pleasing,” he said.
“Local police will continue to be out patrolling areas in the community 24-7 to detect and deter crime.”
