Hume’s crime rate increased by 6.9 per cent, while Whittlesea’s rose by 6.6 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
CSA data revealed criminal incidents in the Hume area rose from 17,969 in the year to March 2023 to 19,215 in the year to March 2024.
In Whittlesea, the number of criminal offences recorded rose from 12,938 to 13,792 during the same period.
The specific areas of concern for police include breaches of family violence orders, other thefts, stealing from motor vehicles, criminal damage and thefts from retail stores.
Steal from motor vehicle offence rose in Hume by 379 cases to 2159 cases, and Whittlesea by 266 cases to 1319 cases.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said that in both areas, police have noticed an increase in thieves targeting vehicles – specifically ones that are unlocked.
“In fact, offenders roam up and down streets until they find a car that is unlocked and either steal the car or valuables inside,” the police spokesperson said.
“That’s why it is so important to always lock your vehicle, even if it’s in a secure driveway, because if there is less opportunity for theft it is less likely to occur.”
Other theft offences in Hume increased by 425 cases to 1874 cases, while in Whittlesea increased by 239 cases to 1436 cases.
Breaches of family violence orders in Hume’s rose by 142 cases to 1882 cases, and Whittlesea’s rose by 305 cases to 1738 cases.
The spokesperson said the rise in family violence orders breaches shows police are continuing to “arrest perpetrators and hold them to account”.
“Our message to those experiencing family violence is clear – when you are ready to come forward, we will be here to listen and support you.“
