Crime has declined in Melbourne’s north by over 20 per cent over the 12 months to the end of March 2022, compared to the previous year according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
Hume recorded 17,870 criminal incidences, down from 21,031 in 2021. A drop of 15 per cent.
Crime decreased in Craigieburn (2518 incidents), Broadmeadows (1964), Roxburgh Park (840) and Meadow Heights (708).
However, there was a slight increase of 1.3 per cent in incidents relating to stealing from a motor vehicle in a driveway/carport.
Acting Hume inspector Shayne Kerley said the municipality “remains the safest it has been since the Crime Statistics Agency commenced recording crime data in 2013.”
“This is a result of targeted patrolling and operations. High visibility patrols as well as community engagement through our Neighbourhood Policing framework,” Mr Kerley said.
“We would still like to continue to drive down crime further and make Hume one of the safest municipalities in Victoria.”
Out in Whittlesea there was a 22 per cent decrease, with criminal incidences falling from 16,019 to 12,510 in the year ending March 2022.
Similarly to Hume, crime decreased in Whittlesea’s top five suburbs. Epping (1982 incidents), Thomastown (1375), Mill Park (1134), Lalor (899) and Mernda (768) all saw improvements in the past 12 months.
Criminal damage incidents increased from 727 in 2021 to 783 in 2022.
Whittlesea divisional commander superintendent Sean Woods said it was “incredibly positive” to see a decrease in overall crime across the municipality.
“We saw reductions in areas that can really impact the community, including robberies, serious assaults, residential burglaries and theft of and from vehicles,” Mr Woods said.
“We know the community is still coming out of the pandemic, so we are anticipating some increases in areas as a result of increased movement in the community, however police are well prepared for this, and will be out and about working with the community in an effort to deter and disrupt offending.”
Mr Woods said there were safety measures people could put in place to remain safe.
“We are encouraging everyone to do their part in making sure our community remains safe, that means reporting anything suspicious, and making it difficult for criminals by ensuring your valuable items are secure, and locking doors and windows of your cars and home.”
