Gerald Lynch
Crime figures across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay were a mixed bag in the 12 months to September, but police are focusing on the positives in both areas.
According to Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data Maribyrnong recorded 9321 offences in the year to September 30, up 7.3 per cent from the year prior (8689).
The number of thefts from a motor vehicle decreased from 1532 to 1412 throughout Maribyrnong.
However, with theft from a retail store increasing rapidly from 385 to 686 offences, as well as criminal damage jumping from 569 to 699 and breaches of family violence going from 451 to 500, issues are still in the area.
A police spokesperson is urging residents to stay vigilant with car theft despite a lower figure, and gave cause to some jumps in figures.
“In Maribyrnong, it was pleasing to see less cars being broken into, however, we implore the community not to become complacent and continue taking simple measures, such as locking car doors and removing tools from Ute trays,” the spokesperson said.
“Theft from retail store offences have increased across the state, in line with cost-of-living pressures.”
Hobsons Bay had an 8.7 per cent decrease in crime with 5538 offences recorded, compared to 6067 the year prior.
There was an increase in theft from retail stores from the year prior, from 200 to 277.
A number of key offences decreased, with theft from a motor vehicle dropping from 973 to 845,
Criminal damage decreasing from 556 to 467, and a strong reduction in breaches of family violence orders from 424 to 271.
A police spokesperson said there have been strong results throughout Hobsons Bay.
“Hobsons Bay remains an overwhelmingly safe place to live,” the spokesperson said.
“Pleasingly, overall crime in Hobsons Bay has decreased by almost 13 per cent since pre-pandemic.
“Assaults, sex offences, property damage are all down over the same timeframe.”
