Future Victoria: The Victorians who feel most and least safe in their community

Feeling safe is the biggest factor in determining whether we love where we live, new research shows. But more surprising is which Victorians are the least concerned about crime and safety.

Older people feel safer than any other Victorians, surprising research shows.

Residents in Melbourne’s outer west are the most concerned about their safety, according to the analysis.

Those in inner Melbourne had the greatest sense of security.

The PwC Australia research — which has helped inform the Herald Sun’s Future Victoria series — shows Victorians aged over 65 had the greatest perception of community safety in Victoria ahead of those aged 55-65.

Those aged 25-34 and 35-44 felt the most unsafe.

PwC consulting partner Tracey Kennair said older people’s tendency to have lived in their suburb longer may help develop a stronger sense of security.

“Certainly the age group of 65-plus is where you see that increased level of perception around community safety,’’ Ms Kennair said.

“It’s all about the establishment of a community. For those who are older they are invariably more likely to have been living in a community for longer.

“Therefore they are familiar with the people around them as they are part of established communities that have infrastructure in place.”

More than 4600 Victorians were surveyed as part of the PwC study, with community safety the most important factor in determining whether they love where they live.

Melbourne-wide residents in the outer west felt least secure ahead of those in the outer east and northern suburbs.

Inner Melbourne residents felt safest ahead of those in regional areas.

The results were mirrored across criteria of personal and property safety, access to emergency services and the availability and quality of safety measures like lighting, police patrols and CCTV.

“When you look to outer west Melbourne it’s probably the area of most concern,’’ Ms Kennair said.

“I think that really links into the development and growth of Melbourne.

“You are seeing the fringes of the city where there is less infrastructure impacting on that sense of community and therefore a link from that to community safety.”

MORE FUTURE VICTORIA:

CRIME-FIGHTING DRONE PATROL SET TO TAKE FLIGHT

HOW TO USE THE INTERACTIVE FUTURE VICTORIA MAP

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR STATE’S FUTURE?

Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Butler said community safety was the force’s highest priority.

“We want everyone to feel safe, regardless of their circumstances or where they live,’’ she said.

“It’s pleasing to see that older Victorians feel safe, as perceptions of safety are just as important as being safe. However, it’s important for this perception to be shared among all Victorians.”

Victoria Police ran several highly-visible crime prevention operations and community engagement initiatives in Melbourne’s west to complement its focus on reducing crime, Ms Butler said.

The PwC research showed people’s feeling of safety tended to increase with their income and education level.

Just over a third of those surveyed believed technology would help improve safety in the community.