Crime in Hobsons Bay increased by more than double the statewide average for the year to March according to the latest statistics released on Thursday.
Offending in Hobsons Bay rose by 35 per cent in the year to March 30, with 6289 offences recorded compared to 4656 to the same point in 2024.
Over the same period crime across Victoria rose by 17.1 per cent, less than half of the increase recorded in Hobsons Bay.
Crime in neighbouring Maribyrnong also rose by more than the statewide average, though by a smaller margin, with an increase of 20.9 per cent.
While the level of increase was smaller than in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong recorded almost double the number of offences, with 12,231, up from 10,118 to March 2024.
Stealing from motor vehicles was the most common crime in both municipalities.
Stealing from a motor vehicle offences in Hobsons Bay almost doubled, rising from 721 to 1311 in the 12 months to March.
In Maribyrnong there were 2423 stealing from motor vehicle offences, almost a thousand more than the 1538 at the same point in 2024.
According to Victoria Police spokesperson this was typical of the entire state.
“Theft from motor vehicle is the most commonly reported and detected crime across the state,” said the spokesperson.
“Both theft of cars, and from cars, make up 25 per cent of all crime in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
“Local and specialised police units continue to patrol hotspots in the area to detect and deter offences.
“There are also simple measures the community can take to prevent falling victim – always lock your car, remove valuables, never leave your car unattended while running, and where possible, park off the street.
“About a third of all thefts from cars relate to the theft of number plates, which is why we encourage the use of anti-theft screws.”
Footscray (4458) and Williamstown (1180) were the suburbs with the highest crime rates in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay respctively, though the latter only came marginally ahead of Altona North on 1154, an increase of more than 300.
Streets, lanes and footpaths were the most common locations for crimes in Maribyrnong, with 2740 offences recorded in those locations, ahead of houses on 1892.
In Hobsons Bay the result was reversed, with 1433 offences occurring in houses and 1186 on streets, lanes and footpaths.
