Cade Lucas
Crime in Hobsons Bay is up by more than 30 per cent according to the latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday.
The data shows that in the year to December 2024, crime in Hobsons Bay rose by 30.6 per cent with 7467 offences recorded compared to 5718 to the same point in 2023.
Stealing from a motor vehicle accounted for much of the increase with 1341 offences recorded, almost double the 775 recorded 12 months earlier.
Other theft (775), stealing from a retail store ( 524), criminal damage (499) and breaching family violence orders (452) were the next most common offences.
Williamstown recorded the most offences of any suburb with 1503, ahead of Altona North on 1284.
Houses were by far the most common location for crimes to occur, with 1922 offences recorded compared to 1519 a year earlier, while streets, lanes or footpaths also recorded a big increase with 1300, up from 997.
Maribyrnong also recorded a substantial increase in crime, rising by 21 per cent in the year to December 2024 with 11,770 offences recorded, up from 9733.
As with Hobsons Bay, stealing from a motor vehicle was by far the most common offence, with 2139 recorded, an increase of 40 per cent and more than 800 ahead of other theft, on 1379.
Footscray recorded 4220 offences, 26 per cent more than 2023 and more than double second placed Maribyrnong on 1931.
Streets, lanes and footpaths were the most common locations for crime in Maribyrnong, with 2503 recorded, up from 1829, while houses came next on 1813, the only category in either municipality to record a reduction.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said theft from a motor vehicle wasn’t just a problem in the inner-west, but was the most commonly reported crime across the state and that there were simple measures residents could take to avoid falling victim.
“Always lock your car, remove valuables and where possible, park off the street,” said the spokesperson who added that specialised police units were patrolling the area and cooperating with local authorities.
“Police are continuing to work with their local councils to bolster crime prevention measures, including improved lighting and CCTV to detect and deter offences.
“We also work closely with partners in health and support services to assist vulnerable people in our community who need help.”
