By NOEL MURPHY
CRIMINAL offences across Geelong have soared almost 30 per cent in the past four years, according to new crime figures released yesterday.
Geelong city recorded the most offences, up from 3597 to 3919, but battler suburbs Whittington and Corio had the largest percentage increases.
Whittington offences jumped 50 per cent from 1314 to 1980, with Corio’s crime up almost 35 per cent as the number of offences rose from 2927 to 3941.
Greater Geelong’s crime rate last year was up 10 per cent on 2013, while Surf Coast’s increased 16.5 per cent.
A breakdown of crime committed in Geelong showed reports of family incidents increased from 1351 in 2010 to 2841 last year. The rise was similar to the previous year, which authorities attributed to increased reporting.
Vehicle theft reports totalled 799 last year, up on 2013’s 649 and and 2010’s 559.
