Cardinia has seen a sharp rise in crime, with offences climbing 25.5 per cent to 10,264 in the year ending September 2025, according to the latest crime statistics.
Pakenham led the suburbs with the highest offences, averaging 5,521 (16.2 per cent). Officer recorded 1,591 (31.1 per cent), Beaconsfield 746 (133.9 per cent), Gembrook 546 (565.9 per cent), and Koo Wee Rup 317 (22.4 per cent).
Breaches of family violence orders remained the top offence (1,399 cases or 22.3 per cent). Theft from motor vehicles reached 1,290 (40.5 per cent), other theft 993 (60.2 per cent), and obtaining benefit by deception 765 (170.3 per cent). Criminal damage totalled 651 (11.3 per cent).
Houses continued as the main hotspot (3,607 or 6.6 per cent). Streets, lanes, and footpaths accounted for 1,337 (39.3 per cent), while business-related offences climbed sharply to 623 (1,630 per cent). Driveways and carports recorded 478 (42.7 per cent), and service stations 365 (22.9 per cent).
Knife crime is another major concern for police and the community. Between 2021 and 2024, machete-related incidents tripled from 610 to 2,061, with young males responsible for 40 per cent of cases. Victoria Police seized more than 16,000 edged weapons this year—an average of 47 per day.
The highest numbers of alleged offenders were in the age groups of 10-17, 18-24 and 30-35.
Victoria Police has achieved significant results targeting serious and violent young offenders through operations such as Alliance and Trinity, which led to 3,100 arrests of youth gang members, underage burglars, and young car thieves in the past year.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said Victoria Police is determined to reduce the crime levels in this state.
“Far too many innocent people are being impacted by crime with many suffering from ongoing physical, psychological or financial issues.
“Our hardworking officers continue to hold criminals to account, with 3,000 arrests of Victoria’s worst youth offenders, record family violence enforcement and the removal of 16,000 knives from the hands of dangerous criminals in the past year.
“Significant organisational change is underway in VicPol which will see more police visible in our communities – deterring criminal behaviour and preventing crime are key to our success.
“A new hi-tech deployment and intelligence hub has also commenced testing and once fully operational will prove crucial in quickly getting on top of unfolding crime across the state.
“Combined, we are confident these changes will lead to less victims of crime and a greater sense of safety within the Victorian community.”
