RECENTLY released crime statistics have shown a sharp rise in criminal activity across Strathbogie Shire during 2024 compared to previous years.

Data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) for the year ending in December has shown disturbing increases in local crime.

According to CSA, the number of recorded criminal incidents in the shire during that period rose from 529 to 781, an increase of 47.6 per cent across 12 months.

Those figures equate to 6,730 offences per 100,000 of the population, a number which can be used to compare with other LGAs.

The statewide number of recorded offences rose from 13.2 per cent to 8,692 per 100,000 Victorians.

Casey in Melbourne's east and Moorabool outside of Ballarat recorded comparable figures of 6,783 and 6,504 offences, respectively, in 2024.

Melbourne LGA recorded the highest number of 22,080 and the highest regional figure (and state's fifth highest LGA) was Greater Shepparton with 14,697.

CSA chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said the rate of theft offences had exceeded historical peaks and was driven by record-high numbers of thefts from motor vehicles and retail stores and theft of motor vehicles themselves as reported by Victoria Police.

“These increasingly prevalent theft offences can be opportunistic in nature and may be linked to cost of living pressures," Ms Dowsley said.

"Increases in shoplifting are linked to adult offenders often in their 30s.

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

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland slammed the government for failing to curb rising crime in regional Victoria, and said the figures for all LGAs in her electorate were 'alarming'.

Ms Cleeland said government incompetence was to blame for poorly-resourced police and that local residents were now vulnerable.

“The Allan Labor Government has lost control of law and order in Victoria,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Soaring crime rates, soft-on-crime bail laws, and a lack of urgency in banning deadly weapons like machetes have made it far too easy for criminals to terrorize our communities.

“Victorians should feel safe in their homes, businesses, and on the streets - but under Labor, crime is running rampant, and locals are paying the price.”

The Euroa electorate saw a sharp rise in total criminal incidents, recorded offences, and family violence incidents.

“These statistics aren’t just numbers - they represent real people in our towns who are living in fear,” Ms Cleeland said.

“We’re hearing of stolen vehicles in Violet Town...and widespread property damage - all while locals are left begging for answers on community pages or contacting my office in desperation.

“Community safety is not a political game - it’s a fundamental right."

The CSA data are available at https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/