A total of 1015 reports of criminal incidents were made in Seymour over the 12 months to June.
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Seymour has again recorded the highest number of offences within Mitchell Shire.
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The latest Crime Statistics Agency data for the 12-month period ending in June shows an increase of 57 reported incidents in Seymour, compared to the year previous, with a total of 1015 offences reported throughout the period.
Every year since 2016, except for last year, Seymour has been at the top of the list of Mitchell Shire towns with most reports of criminal incidents.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she regarded rising crime, which had been recorded across the Euroa electorate, as a failure of the Victorian Government.
“These figures show crime is getting worse in every corner of our community, and Labor is nowhere to be seen,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Offender incidents are skyrocketing, family violence is climbing, and people no longer feel safe in their own homes.
“These aren’t just numbers, they reflect families torn apart, businesses left vulnerable and communities living in fear. Yet the Allan Government refuses to act.”
Across Mitchell Shire, an 11 per cent rise in crime has been reported, with charges laid on 36.8 per cent of total incidents, while 39.1 per cent remain unsolved.
Youth crime is also on the rise, with 36 more alleged offenders within the local government area reported to be between 10 and 17, and 95 more reported to be between 18 and 24.
Breach family violence order has risen to again be the top-reported principal offence subgroup, with 416 of this incident type and a 3.8 per cent increase in total family incidents reported across the shire.
Seymour was the town with most reports of criminal incidents recorded within Mitchell Shire.
A spokesperson said the government would be taking action in response to the rising figures.
“Our thoughts are with every victim of crime – we are listening and we are acting with Australia’s toughest bail laws to crack down on serious repeat offenders,” they said.
“Because of our record investment in Victoria Police, there are 105 additional police officers in the Mitchell Shire – they are out 24/7 holding offenders to account and I thank them for their work.
“Women and children deserve to be safe and free from violence – that’s why we’re changing laws and attitudes around family violence, and delivering more support for victim survivors.”
Victoria Police deputy commissioner of regional operations Bob Hill said the level of crime occurring across the state could not become normalised and accepted.
“Victoria Police is tackling these issues head-on. Our members are doing exceptional work to resolve these crimes. But it must be said – the number of arrests we are seeing reflects an unacceptable level of offending,” Mr Hill said.
“We will continue to make arrests and hold offenders to account, but we need to prevent and deter crime to reduce offending so that there are fewer victims in Victoria.”
Neighbouring LGAs have also seen a rise in crime, including in Strathbogie Shire, which has had a 17.9 per cent increase in reported incidents.
Reports in Murrindindi Shire, however, were down by 10.2 per cent.
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