Eddie Russell
Recorded criminal offences increased in Melton and Moorabool in the 12 months to March, new data reveals.
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, the number of recorded offences in Melton rose by 8.9 per cent, from 12,146 in March 2023 to 13,227 in March 2024.
Moorabool recorded a 21 per cent increase from 2185 to 2644 during the same period.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the increase in crime in Melton was largely due to a rise in property offences, including car thefts, and retail store thefts.
There were 1331 steal from motor vehicle offences record in Melton in the year to March, up from 1027 the previous year.
Retail store thefts rose from 441 to 762 during the same period.
Melton recorded a drop in breaches of family violence orders, from 1883 in the 12 months to March 2023, to 1438 in the year to March 2024.
“The number of family violence order breaches remain high as police continue to proactively target perpetrators and hold them to account,” the police spokesperson.
“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.”
In Moorabool, family violence order breaches went up to 406 offences compared to 304 at the same time last year.
Another Victoria Police spokesperson said that police in the Moorabool area were putting particular emphasis on preventing family violence.
“Family violence remains a top priority for police, and an increase in order breaches can be attributed to the proactive work of family violence investigation unit detectives,” the spokesperson said.
“Detectives are regularly knocking on the doors of perpetrators to ensure offenders know they are being monitored and breaches are more easily identified.”
The top three suburbs for crime in Moorabool were Bacchus Marsh (897 offences), Darley (592offences) , and Maddingley (328 offences).
Rounding out Melton’s top three suburbs was Melton (2008 offences), Caroline Springs (1374 offences) and Melton South (1286 offences).
