Police from across the Macedon Ranges held a forum at the Gisborne Mechanics Institute last Thursday to discuss statistical crime rates in the region relative to the rest of Victoria.
Thirteen police members were joined by 20 members of the public, all of whom were armed with specific concerns and had the opportunity to speak with police one on one.
Local MP Mary-Anne Thomas also attended.
YOUTH OUT OF CONTROL?
Youth crime was a key topic and statistics show it’s declining in the Macedon Ranges – despite recent coverage from metropolitan media outlets suggesting otherwise – which comes amid a demographic transition as more young families move into the region.
Dan Davison, a police inspector at the forum, said 27.9 per cent of all offenders [in the region] were youth and not necessarily living locally.
“We tend to get an influx of youth crime from metro areas or from further up north,” he said.
The police advised local youth offenders were known to them and most of the offences were opportunistic.
Tim Tucker, a police superintendent, said theft was common in regional areas where cars, doors and sheds were more likely to be found unlocked compared to the city.
“A lot of youth offenders are telling us they keep trying car doors until one is open,” he said.
‘ALL ROADS LEAD TO SUNBURY’
The police also discussed the recent spate of copper wire theft and admitted it was difficult to prosecute because there were usually no security cameras in areas it was stolen from.
Hayley Zagari, a detective sergeant from the Kyneton police station, said many lights on the Calder Freeway between Sunbury and Kyneton were not working at night due to the stolen copper, and it had been an issue for the past 12 months.
She noted there were no youth offenders involved in this activity and they had recently found vomit next to a streetlight outside Gisborne Secondary College where the metal was stolen. Police took DNA samples as they believed the perpetrator was electrocuted.
“All roads lead to Sunbury,” Det-Sgt Zagari said.
“We know that there are numerous offenders from Sunbury working in a small network.”
The police are currently working closely with Powercor, an electricity network responsible for the operation of streetlights in the region, to put in place measures and catch those responsible.
THEFTS FROM FARMS
Other issues discussed included theft from farms and Insp Davison said it remained an issue because “under 50 per cent of farm crime is reported”, and emphasised, “people in the bush are not forgotten”.
Theft of farm stock remains the prominent issue and there have been incidents of criminals breaking fences and repairing them after stealing animals.
Firearm theft from farms is also a concern and is usually carried out by criminals looking for stickers on cars that display firearm branding or club membership. Insp Davidson said the best deterrent was for farmers to install security cameras and signs on fences warning of this.
THE VERDICT
The Macedon Ranges recorded a total 2356 offences in 2024 and data from police suggested mental health, drugs and alcohol were the top three drivers of crime. Reports show cannabis possession remains the eminent drug offence while methylamphetamine and prescription drug use was on the rise.
The 2024 Police Community Sentiment Survey demonstrated from its 238 respondents that the top three concerns in the area were road safety, property and possessions, and safety in public spaces.
