Family violence remains a concern in Geelong, according to figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency.
Reported crime across the Greater Geelong region increased by close to 4.3 per cent to 20,795 over the 12 months to March, according to the data released on Thursday, June 15.
Geelong Local Area Commander Inspector Peter Nichols said overall crime across the region was at its “third lowest levels since 2015” despite the “slight increase in the 12 months to March 2013”.
“In the last two months alone, police have arrested 132 people in relation to motor vehicle crime and residential burglaries across Geelong,” he said.
“The issue of family violence will continue to be a major priority for Geelong police as no one should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home.
“Geelong police, including detectives from the Family Violence Investigation Unit, are out every day knocking on offender’s doors to ensure they know they are being monitored and reassuring victims that they are supported.
“We want to reassure the Greater Geelong community that police will continue to be out in numbers both on foot and on the roads to keep people safe and prevent criminal activity before it happens.”
Total crime in Lara has entered the thousands for the first time since 2019, with 1,057 total offences from last year’s 762. Concerning categories include family violence at 256 from 189 and theft from a motor vehicle at 122 from 86.
Crime in Norlane has lowered from 2213 to 2090, with many categories like a crime against the person and property and deception offences decreasing or remaining steady. However, like many suburbs, family violence rose by 40 offences to 283 over 12 months.
Total crime in Corio is at 2,535, with breach of family violence orders up by 84 counts to 436 and public health and safety falling from 28 to two offences in 12 months.
Total crime in Belmont is up by 42 offences over 12 months, with 1,052 recorded. Family violence offences totalled 172 from last year’s 116 offences.
Despite total crime numbers rising slightly to 311 from 298 and family violence offences reaching their highest at 104, most offences in Bell Post Hill have lowered or remained steady, most notably with drug offences recorded at six from 15 and property and deception offences at 111 from 153.
Crimes against the person were at an all-time high in Armstrong Creek, with 80 offences, the highest number recorded in 10 years. Drug offences remained steady, with eight offences recorded over two years. Total crime rose from 375 to 437.
