Ballarat crime surges 11 per cent as police launch saturation blitz
Ballarat recorded 11,783 criminal incidents, an 11.3 per cent jump, with crime rates 44 per cent above Victoria's average.
Ballarat's crime rate has continued to soar while most of Victoria's has fallen. The city recorded 11,783 criminal incidents in the year to June, an 11.3 per cent increase.
The rate per 100,000 residents was 9,401, compared to the state average of 6,504. Vehicle thefts surged 43 per cent to 830 cars stolen.
Stealing from motor vehicles rose 11 per cent, other theft jumped 28 per cent, and criminal damage climbed 8 per cent. In response, Victoria Police are trialling a 90-day saturation operation: officers will have a visible presence in high-concern areas for three hours daily.
The trial covers Ballarat Central, Wendouree, Sebastopol, Ballarat East and Alfredton.
- 11,783
- Criminal incidents
- 11.3 per cent
- Crime rate increase
- 44 per cent higher
- Ballarat rate vs state average
- 43 per cent to 830 cars
- Vehicle thefts surge
Why it mattersRising theft and vehicle crime affect residents' sense of safety and pocket; the police trial shows what intensive local policing looks like.
AustraliaBallarat residents face higher crime rates than the Victorian average, while police test a new saturation approach that could expand statewide if successful.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 53 min ago
