New figures released today confirm crime is on the rise in Bendigo.
The Crime Statistics Agency released the latest Victorian crime data showing all areas of crime had increased in Bendigo in the 12 months to March 2025.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the figures were evidence of the Allan Labor Government’s complete failure to address crime in the community.
The statistics showed the following increases in Bendigo since March 2024:
- Aggravated robbery – up 60 per cent
- Motor vehicle theft – up 21 per cent
- Residential aggravated burglary – up 36 per cent
- Residential non-aggravated burglary – up 35 per cent
- Steal from a retail store – up 84 per cent
- Family violence serious assault – up 14 per cent
- Non-family violence serious assault – 18 per cent
- Total serious assault – up 16 per cent
- Total offences went from 11,434 to 13,049 – a rise of 14 per cent
Ms Broad has previously raised the urgent need to address crime and serious anti-social behaviour in the Bendigo region, including the need for more support for police and more Protective Service Officers at train stations.
“In recent months we have seen a vicious attack on a security guard at the Bendigo Marketplace, an alleged attempted armed robbery at a jewellery store at the Marketplace, tobacco shops destroyed by fire and reported bashings of young people in the centre of the city,” Ms Broad said.
“In March, locals took to the streets in protest at the rise in crime, including protesting outside the office of Premier Jacinta Allan. People feel unsafe in their own city and their own homes.
“Whether it’s huge numbers of police vacancies unfilled, closing police stations or being slow to act on weak bail laws and machetes, Labor has contributed to these statistics and behind every statistic is a victim of crime.
“Labor cannot manage crime and all Victorians are paying the price.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
