Andrew Bogut calls for more action on safety as Bayside crime rate explodes

Boomers great Andrew Bogut has weighed in after Bec Judd claimed crime was rife in the Bayside area. Here’s what the data reveals.

Basketball star Andrew Bogut believes Bayside residents are “sitting ducks in their own homes” amid a concerning rise in break and enters in the affluent area.

Family members of the former NBA star have in recent months been terrorised by groups of up to five people targeting homes along their street.

The Boomers great echoed Bec Judd’s concerns shared last year about local crime rates, saying at least six break-ins had occurred at his family’s neighbouring properties.

“One fella had a gun pulled on him recently,” Mr Bogut claimed.

“How much is enough? Will it take a murder to put these scumbags away for an extended period?” Mr Bogut said.

Andrew Bogut wants more to be done to protect residents in Bayside. Picture: Mark Metcalfe

The Bayside local government area, including suburbs Brighton, Black Rock and Beaumaris, was once characterised by its leafy streets, laid-back feel and safe reputation.

“The police who attended my family’s home said this is pretty common in area. When asked what they could do to take more caution the officer said “buy a dog,” he said.

“People are sitting ducks in their own home. Very sad.”

An electronic sign has been placed along Beach Rd heading into Brighton to remind residents about the importance of home security.

Bec Judd shares her concerns about living in Bayside.

Crime statistics finally back up Bec Judd’s claims about crimes in Bayside LGA. Picture: Instagram/Bec Judd

It comes little more than six months after Bec Judd was heavily criticised for claiming crime was rife in the coastal LGA – now it would seem data has proved her right.

The mother-of-four told her 770K followers in May she felt “unsafe” in Brighton amid an alleged spate of “rapes, bashings and home invasions at the hands of gangs”.

Ms Judd claimed two women she knew in the area were inside their homes when criminals attempted to break into their property.

1) Remember when @becjuddloves got smashed for saying crime in Bayside,Victoria was rampant?

Family members @BaysideCouncil street has been hit 6 times in the last few months.
Home invasions w groups of 5ppl.
Yes, ONE street.

One old fella had a gun pulled on him recently.

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) January 21, 2023

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hit back at the time, saying data from Victoria’s Crime Statistics Agency instead showed crime rates had dipped.

But recent data viewed this week by the Herald Sun showed the total criminal offences recorded in the Bayside LGA last year had increased by a dramatic 9 per cent.

A total 4846 offences were recorded in 2022 compared to 4444 in the year prior.

Brighton recorded the highest number of offences – 1278 to be exact – for the LGA. Hampton and Brighton East followed with a respective 689 and 645 offences.

Bec Judd doubled down on her claims, predicting last year that data would eventually reflect her concerns. Picture: Instagram

Family members of Andrew Bogut living in Bayside are concerned about increasing rates of break and enters. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Meanwhile, break-ins and burglaries at both residential and non-residential properties in Bayside increased by more than 100 offences in the past year to sit at 538.

By comparison, Black Rock recorded just 196 of the same crimes.

Victorian Police said the number of Victorian homes being broken into was at their lowest level since at least 1993 but more aggravated burglaries were occurring.

“This statewide trend is consistent across Melbourne’s Bayside area, with an increase in non-confrontational aggravated burglaries – primarily involving youth offenders sneaking into an unlocked property or vehicle without being seen,” the spokeswoman said.

“Since September last year, police run a nightly operation saturating locations where we know offending occurs. Operation Bird has led to hundreds of arrests stretching from Port Phillip to Mornington Peninsula.

“While this work may go largely unseen by the community as it occurs when they are sleeping, these proactive patrols do not stop until after the sun has risen.”