Theft is up in Brimbank as overall criminal figures remain steady, but still above state average, according to new data released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).
Recorded criminal offences decreased by 0.5 per cent across Brimbank, with 83 fewer offences recorded in the 12 months to March 2024, compared to the previous 12 months, for a total of 17,221 criminal offences.
The suburbs of St Albans (3413 offences recorded) and Sunshine (3267 offences recorded) remain the top two hot spots for crime within the municipality.
Sunshine North had a strong increase in offences recorded, jumping up by 383 offences from 1170 to 1553 in the 12 months to March.
The data revealed that stealing from a motor vehicle (2404 offences recorded), and other theft (1645 offences recorded) remain the top two offences in Brimbank.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the increase in car theft can in part be attributed to unlocked cars.
“Unfortunately, we have seen an 18 per cent rise in car thefts and thefts from cars in the last year,” the spokesperson said.
“That’s why it is so important to always secure your vehicle. If there is less opportunity for theft it is less likely to occur.
“What we know is offenders roam up and down streets until they find an unlocked vehicle.
“Please lock your car at all times, even if it’s in a secure driveway, and always remove items that you wouldn’t want stolen.
“We conduct 24-7 patrols of the area and investigate all thefts thoroughly, however simply locking vehicles is the best thing the community can do to help us help them.”
The spokesperson also said that a growth in population means the numbers are not as bad as they first appear.
“When population growth is considered, overall crime in Brimbank is at its third lowest levels in a decade,” the spokesperson said.
“Overall crime has also dropped by 14 per cent since pre-pandemic years.”
Across Victoria, there were 535,673 criminal offences recorded in the 12 months to March 2024, an increase of 39,261 offences or 7.9 per cent from the previous 12 months.
Gerald Lynch
