Crime has risen in Greater Geelong in the year to March, according to figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency.
The data, released on Thursday, June 15, reveals reported crime increased from 19,940 to 20,795 in the 12 months to March.
Breaches of family violence orders skyrocketed 2455 offences to 2983, while breach of bail conditions went from 423 offences to 587.
Criminal damage to a property increased from 1635 offences to 1782, while graffiti went from 141 to 213.
Non-residential non-aggravated burglary increased from 398 offences to 455 and drug possession increased from 731 to 807.
Areas of crime that decreased included threatening behaviour, from 334 to 259 offences, and aggravated robbery fell from 89 to 71, its lowest level since 2017.
Drug trafficking fell from 103 to 73, the lowest level since 2014.
Public health and safety offences, which exploded during the COVID years (783 in 2021 and 239 in 2022), were almost non-existent last year, with just three offences recorded.
Disorderly and offensive conduct has gone down by 12 offences to 421.
Victoria Police was contacted for Greater Geelong specific comment about the statistics.
Statewide there were 496,589 criminal offences recorded in Victoria, representing an increase of 26,424 offences or 5.6 per cent from the previous year.
Overall crime still remained 9.1 per cent below pre-COVID levels. In the 12 months leading up to March 2020, there were 542,059 criminal offences committed – 45,470 more offences than in the most recent 12-month reporting period.
Overall crimes against the person increased by 3.2 percent year-on-year, with crimes such as assaults and dangerous driving offences driving this increase. Pleasingly, offences to reduce included stalking and harassment, rape, and sex offences against children.
“Overall crime in Victoria is gradually increasing from the low levels of 2020/21, however still remains more than 9 percent below pre-COVID levels,” Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Rick Nugent said.
“Serious offences including family violence serious assaults, rape, sex offences against children, and stalking and harassment all recorded reductions.
“While this is positive, there are clearly a number of areas of concern that police are investing significant energy and resources towards.”
