The Hepburn Shire has experienced a notable spike in crime throughout the year ending in September, in line with rises across the Moorabool police service area.
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The shire experienced an increase of 38.19 per cent in crimes recorded in the year ending in September on figures from 2015.
Police recorded 825 offences across the past year, a rise from 746 in the previous year.
Theft was the most notable increase in the Hepburn Shire, with police recording a 14.6 per cent increase in crimes recorded from 253 in 2015 to 290 in 2016.
Assault was another crime which experienced a marked increase over the 12-month period, rising 15 per cent from 60 to 69 instances.
Throughout the Moorabool PSA car theft contributed largely to an increase in property and deception offences.
Bacchus Marsh Senior Sergeant Jim Lappin said the current trend of offenders torching and stealing cars has largely led to the 84.1 per cent arson spike in the Moorabool PSA in 2016.
“Ultimately and unfortunately a disproportionately high number of our theft incidents are directly attributed to unlocked vehicles, buildings, sheds and unsecured trailers,” Senior Sergeant Lappin said.
Senior Sergeant Lappin said this trend was particularly concerning during the fire danger period.
“We had one the other day, and in the current conditions it was easily put out, but if it was drier it could have spread,” Senior Sergeant Lappin said.
“(The main driver of theft) is still unlocked cars and unlocked garages.”
Anecdotally, he said actual car theft had remained relatively stable but torching cars was far common.
“This new method of burning cars – that’s increasing,” Senior Sergeant Lappin said.
Moorabool’s property damage increased nearly 35 per cent while theft was up 13 per cent.
“Community members need to be conscious about locking thier vehicle, protecting and hiding their valuables by locking their back doors and their garage doors,” Senior Sergeant Lappin said.
