By Justin Flynn
Crime in Greater Geelong has decreased by 6.1 percent in the past 12 months according to data released by the Crime Statistics Agency.
Incidents of crime fell by almost 1000 in the region in the 12 months ending on March 31, 2022.
Greater Geelong recorded 14,569 criminal incidents during that period, its lowest in 10 years.
The top five suburbs for crime in the region according to the data are Geelong, Corio, Norlane, Belmont and Grovedale. Out of the top five, only Corio reported an increase in criminal incidents.
Theft from a motor vehicle was the most common crime followed by criminal damage.
Criminal incidents in Greater Geelong were likely to have occurred inside a house, the data revealed.
The top five locations were inside a house; a street, lane of footpath; a driveway or carport; a flat, unit or apartment and retail premises.
The top five subgroups for offences were theft from a motor vehicle; criminal damage; other theft; breach of family violence order; and residential non-aggravated burglary.
Statewide, criminal incidents decreased by 11.5 percent during the 12 months ending March 31, the lowest since 2015.
Statewide, the number of youth offenders is down by 10 percent from five years ago and residential burglaries are at the lowest levels for a year ending in March since the introduction of the Law Enforcement Assistance Program in 1993.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Rick Nugent said it was pleasing to see crime reduce year by year.
“Importantly, we are seeing a reduction in the number of victims in our community and the number of people offending, particularly in relation to youth – this shows our collaboration with external partners to implement early intervention initiatives is making an impact and diverting young people away from crime,” he said.
“It’s positive to see a reduction in serious crimes that have long lasting impacts such as home burglaries and robberies – we know the impact these crimes have on how safe people feel in their own homes and neighbourhoods and we will continue to do everything we can to disrupt this offending.”
