By Tara Murray
Crime continues to rise in Wyndham, increasing by 28.5 per cent in the 12 months to March, latest data reveals.
According to Crime Statsitcis Agency data, there were were 24,232 criminal offences in the 12 months to March, up from 18,1859 offences 12 months prior.
Across the state, the increase in criminal offences was 17.1 per cent.
Only the City of Melbourne, Casey and Greater Geelong had more offences than Wyndham in the year to March.
The rise in crime in Wyndham has prompted homeowners in three Wyndham suburbs to band together to fund private security patrols of their housing estates.
Currently, private security companies patrol parts of Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale and Mambourin.
Wyndham council is also considering funding a private security trial of Truganina. Councillors were set to vote on whether to include funding for the security patrol in council’s 2025-26 budget on Tuesday night after deadline.
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, Truganina recorded the fifth highest number criminal offences in the municipality in the 12 months to March (1624).
Werribee had the most criminal offences (4474) followed by Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook.
More than a fifth of all crime in Wyndham is related to theft of a motor vehicle or theft from a motor vehicle.
About a third of all thefts from cars related to the theft of number plates.
Wyndham Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Jess Boyle said local and specialised police units continue to patrol hotspots in Wyndham to detect and deter offences.
“There are also simple measures the community can take to prevent falling victim – always lock your car, remove valuables, never leave your car unattended while running, and where possible, park off the street,” she said.
“If you are a victim of crime, we implore you to report this to the police as soon as possible, giving us the best opportunity to retrieve evidence and solve the case.”
Acting Inspector Boyle said police encouraged people to fit anti theft screws on their number plates.
When asked about extra resources for the Wyndham area, Acting Inspector Doyle said police were continuing to work local council to bolster crime prevention measures, including improved lighting and CCTV to detect and deter offences.
