Crime stats show West Wimmera, Towong and Buloke with low crime rates

The latest crime figures are out and while numbers are up statewide, we reveal ten regional areas that break the trend.

Country shires are overwhelmingly safer than their city counterparts, according to the crime data for Victoria.

This is despite many of these local government areas having small police numbers andone man stations.

It’s not all good news, however, with three of the five highest number of offences per 100,000 people were also in the country: Latrobe, Mildura and Shepparton.

With just 161 offences reported to police, West Wimmera Shire had the lowest number of offences, though the crime rate was up 22 per cent on last year.

Crime rates fell in Murrindindi Shire (488 offences, down 15.6 per cent), Mansfield (328 offences, down 8 per cent) and Towong (187 offences, down 5.6 per cent).

Alpine Shire recorded 321 offences, and a crime incident rate of 2433 per 100,000 population, making it one of the safest places in the state.

Alpine Shire mayor councillor Sarah Nicholas said it was “supportive and connected communities” that flowed on to low crime levels.

“People here genuinely care about each other and look out for one another,” Ms Nicholas said. “Neighbours tend to know one another well and keep an eye out if someone is away.”

Ms Nicholas said while a low crime rate might not be the sole deciding factor for someone to move to the regions, it added to the appeal.

“Many of our new residents first discovered the area while on holiday, fell in love with its charm, and decided to make it their home,” she said.

“The low crime rate is just another reason to stay.”

Ms Nicholas said the shire worked closely with local police to ensure that both residents and tourists felt safe.

Overall Victorian crime rates were up last year compared to 2023.

CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said there was a 13.2 per cent rise in offences to 8692 per 100,000 Victorians in the past 12 months, and the number of offences increased 15.7 per cent to 605,640.

“The rate of theft offences being recorded per 100,000 Victorians has exceeded historical peaks, driven by record-high numbers of steal from motor vehicle, steal from retail store and motor vehicle theft offences recorded by Victoria Police in 2024.” Ms Dowsley said.

“These increasingly prevalent theft offences can be opportunistic in nature and may be linked to cost of living pressures, especially for increases in shoplifting where increases are linked to adult offenders often in their 30s.

“Younger alleged offenders tend to be involved in theft offences involving motor vehicles.”