By Natasha Fujimoto
THE latest crime statistics released by the independent Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) have understandably raised concern across the community, revealing a 21 per cent increase in reported offences for the year ending March 2025. This rise is by no means a welcome development.
Local Area Commander Inspector Bruce Simpson spoke candidly about the upward trend, which is not unique to the Greater Shepparton Policing Service Area (PSA) but “reflects” a broader statewide pattern.
“The 21 per cent increase follows a couple of years of consistently low crime rates in Shepparton, which we had been celebrating. So, these new figures come as a bit of a surprise to us,” Inspector Simpson said.
While the statistics show an overall rise in crime, Inspector Simpson noted that the increase also highlights deeper issues, as well as some positive signs.
Community confidence in reporting incidents, particularly in cases of family violence and retail theft, has improved. Inspector Simpson stated that this growing confidence reflects the ongoing efforts by local police and support agencies to create a safer environment for victims.
“Reporting these offences is a critical first step towards intervention and long-term prevention,” Inspector Simpson said.
Retail theft, with 502 incidents reported this year, has prompted a targeted police response through Operation Mosaic, a crackdown on shoplifting that has already resulted in over 100 arrests.
“Some offenders can get quite aggressive, and no one should have to go to work and face abuse,” Inspector Simpson said.
The Inspector also suggested that the increase in reported retail crime is partly due to more active police efforts, supported by local traders and loss prevention officers.
Another statistic on the rise, according to the Inspector, is motor vehicle-related crime, where theft from and of vehicles continues to frustrate police and the community, exacerbated by thoughtless actions. Despite repeated public safety campaigns, many residents still leave vehicles unsecured.
“Unfortunately, we’re finding that most cars are left unlocked. It’s a continued frustration. We’ve been telling people for years to lock their cars, but we’re still seeing cases where that hasn’t happened,” Inspector Simpson said.
Broader legal reforms have also influenced local policing outcomes. Changes to bail laws mean more serious offenders are being released into the community—an outcome shaped beyond the jurisdiction of the local PSA.
Despite the rising statistics, there is some positive news. The Greater Shepparton Safer Roads Plan has contributed to a welcome reduction in the regional road toll.
“This year we’ve implemented the Shepparton Road Safety Plan, which every month targets a different aspect of road policing based on data that was obtained over the last five years. [The strategy] targets specific road policing and we’ve found it’s been a huge success over the last six months,” said Acting Senior Sergeant Jasmine Gregor.
Specifically targeting drink driving, speeding and mobile phone use, Senior Sergeant Gregor said,
“I’m not going to say this is why our road trauma has gone down, but I like to think that it has had an impact on that.”
Highly anticipating the results of the latest police sentiment survey, Inspector Simpson encourages community members who would like to voice concerns, ask questions, and work together with local police to address ongoing challenges to register for the upcoming Shepparton Neighbourhood Policing Forum, from 6 pm to 8 pm, July 23. You can register for the online event by visiting: https://NHPshepparton.evenbrite.com.
