Mildura crime rate reaches new 10-year high, leaving workers ‘intimidated’

Mildura’s crime rate has reached a staggering 10-year high, leaving workers so “intimidated” they are turning down shifts.

Mildura has recorded dangerous levels of family violence order breaches, according to the latest crime data. Picture: iStock

A 10-year high in Mildura’s crime rate has left Sunraysia workers so scared they are turning down shifts.

Recent Crime Statistics Agency data revealed Mildura recorded its highest number of criminal incidents and recorded offences in more than a decade, with the city’s criminal offence rate now among the top three in Victoria.

In the year to March 2024, Mildura had an 8 per cent rise in recorded offences, with property damage and retail theft among the most common incidents “intimidating” local workers.

Ezgi Dennison, a barista at the popular Langtree Cafe on Eighth St, said the increase in crime was worrying.

“We’ve had a couple of our windows smashed. We had our tip jar stolen, with more than $500 dollars of tips in there,” Ms Dennison said.

“We have had staff knock back shifts because they are intimidated. We had one staff member who was walking back to his car after a shift and had a knife held to his throat. It is escalating.”

Ezgi Dennison of the Langtree Cafe on Eighth St in Mildura

Damien, a supervisor at PJ’s FoodWorks on Deakin Ave, said the crime increase had been noticeable.

“I moved here from Geelong, because that was getting a bit out of control about 10 years ago. (Mildura) was nice and quiet when I first got here, now I reckon it is as bad as Geelong,” Damien said.

Business owner Leanne Perry said she has seen a significant change in the town in the last 20 years.

“As a business owner, we have a lot of trouble with theft in-store,” she said.

“We have got multiple cameras, but it doesn’t dissuade anyone at all. We battle every day with theft.

“I have been here for 20-odd years and it used to be safe. But the problem is, it feels like there is nothing we can do about it.

“Police do what they can, but they are overwhelmed and it feels like the courts don’t back them up”.

It comes as family violence court breaches also spiked to dangerous levels in Mildura, with local police now conducting “weekly” operations in a bid to keep perpetrators in check.

Family Violence Order breaches have risen significantly in Mildura this past year. Picture: iStock

According to the latest data, family violence orders — which are issued by the courts — have been breached at a significant rate in Mildura this past year.

In the year to March 2024 there were 1100 recorded FVO breach offences — a breach every eight hours.

This is the third highest rate in the state.

Mildura Police Superintendent John O’Connor said the local force had been forced to conduct regular operations, which had led to an “increase in arrests”.

“Our top priority is community safety, which is why police are continuing to patrol the community 24/7 to deter and prevent crime,” he said.

“To ensure the wellbeing and safety of victims of family violence, Mildura Family Violence Investigation Unit detectives conduct weekly operations targeting perpetrators.

“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”.