New data reveals top suburbs criminals are targeting, increase in crime across Greater Geelong

Thieves are targeting homes across multiple Geelong suburbs, as new data reveals the region has recorded an increase in criminal offending. SEE THE CRIME IN YOUR SUBURB.

Geelong Superintendent Peter Ward has spoken of how local cops are tackling a “slight spike” in burglaries and motor vehicle crime. Picture: Alison Wynd

Thieves are targeting homes across Lara, Belmont and Whittington as new data reveals the region has recorded an increase in criminal offending.

The data from Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) revealed the number of offences recorded across Greater Geelong increased by 4.3 per cent over a 12 month period, with a rise in aggravated burglaries and motor vehicle thefts.

There were 20,795 offences recorded in the year ending March 2023 compared to 19,940 in the previous year.

The CSA data revealed the top suburbs with the highest number of offences recorded were Geelong (3090); Corio (2535) and Norlane (2090)

Lara recorded the highest surge, with criminal offences jumping from 762 to 1057.

Breaches of family violence orders (2983) and thefts from motor vehicles (2267) were the top offences for Greater Geelong.

Geelong Superintendent Peter Ward said the “slight spike” in criminal data was consistent across Victoria and “not isolated to the Geelong region”.

He said residents should remain “alert but not alarmed”, with police keeping a close eye on criminals looking to steal from unlocked vehicles and homes.

Between April 1 and May 31, Geelong police arrested 132 people in relation to motor vehicle crimes and residential burglaries across the region.

“Our intelligence indicates that about 80 per cent of vehicles and homes that have been broken into this year have been left unlocked,” Superintendent Ward said.

“It’s almost a walk-up start for opportunistic criminals.”

It comes after a group of four were charged following a police pursuit across Geelong.

Two of the men fronted Geelong Magistrates Court on Thursday with police alleging the duo stole a Toyota Prado from a home in Belmont then used the garage remote to gain access to the home.

The pair allegedly stole a number of power tools.

A man was one of four people arrested following a police pursuit across Geelong. It’s alleged they stole a 4WD and power tools from a home in Belmont. Picture: Mark Wilson

Superintendent Ward urged locals to lock their doors and not leave garage remotes inside cars, which he said could give criminals “sneaky” access into homes.

“It’s such a trivial thing to do but it will help to prevent opportunistic offenders from getting into your place,” he said.

He said police were taking a “back to basics” approach with officers patrolling high risk areas in uniforms and plain clothes.

“When police are driving around and see someone who looks suspicious, they now stop them and have a conversation with them,” Superintendent Ward said.

He said this allowed the authorities to gather further intelligences on criminal activity to help with investigations.

Originally published as New data reveals top suburbs criminals are targeting, increase in crime across Greater Geelong