Northern Grampians was also one of the top LGAs for total offences, with 14,675.4 per 100,000 population – the second-highest rate in regional Victoria behind only Greater Shepparton.
A single criminal incident can contain multiple offences, accounting for the difference between the categories.
Other results across the Wimmera and southern Mallee were mixed, with Horsham recording a 2.2 per cent rise in the rate of criminal incidents per 100,000 and a 13.1 per cent jump in its offences rate.
Ararat saw a fall in criminal-incident and offences rates, with the former falling by 13.2 per cent and the latter dropping by 10.7 per cent.
West Wimmera’s total number of criminal incidents rose slightly, from 146 to 165, but overall offences fell from 216 to 199.
In Hindmarsh the number of offences rose slightly but criminal incidents stayed relatively stable, while in Yarriambiack both criminal-incident and offences rates dropped by more than 10 per cent.
Across Victoria the total number of criminal incidents was down 1.0 per cent, with offences dropping by 0.2 per cent.
Victoria Police western region division four Acting Superintendent Gary Best acknowledged the rising Northern Grampians crime rate, but said police efforts to address the issue were already yielding results.
“There was an increase in volume crime that occurred in the St Arnaud area in late 2025 to early 2026; this has skewed the Northern Grampians LGA data,” he said.
“This rise in crime was effectively impacted by Operation ALMA, which targeted recidivist volume offenders and resulted in reductions in crime for the past three months.”
Acting Superintendent Best said data concerning offences per 100,000 population could be volatile from year to year in regional areas because of lower population bases compared to metropolitan areas.
“They can be skewed in regional LGAs because of our comparably low populations to suburban locations, hence the higher numbers,” he said.
“The reality is that the total offences recorded for both the Northern Grampians LGA and Horsham LGA remain very low in comparison to areas of higher-density populations.”
With alleged criminal activity at skate parks in Stawell and St Arnaud generating public calls for Northern Grampians Shire Council to install closed-circuit television, CCTV, cameras at both locations last month, Acting Superintendent Best said police would support the move.
“Victoria Police support the use of CCTV as one of a range of measures that can help provide reassurance to the community and enhance perceptions of safety,” he said.
“While CCTV is not necessarily a deterrent to crime, it can provide valuable investigative opportunities by assisting police to identify offenders, establish circumstances surrounding incidents, and gather evidence.
“The installation or expansion of CCTV systems is generally a matter for local councils, businesses, government agencies, or property owners, rather than being initiated or requested by police.
“However, police are supportive of CCTV where it may assist community safety outcomes and criminal investigations.”
Acting Superintendent Best also addressed recent reporting linking areas where police station opening hours were reduced to rising crime rates.
Horsham and Stawell police stations are now open to the public from 10am to 6pm each day after both previously being 24-hour stations.
“There is no data to suggest that a reduction in counter-enquiry hours has had any impact on crime,” Acting Superintendent Best said.
“The reduction in counter service sees police out on patrol more frequently providing a visible police service to the community where it is needed,” Acting Superintendent Best said.
He said police would use the latest data to address the greatest areas of concern across the region – particularly recidivist crime.
“The data shows across the board we have seen an increase of criminal damage and assaults that are not family-violence related,” he said.
“We will be adopting an intelligence-led approach that ensures resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact.
“Police are focused on preventing and targeting crime by actively managing the small number of repeat offenders responsible for crime in our community. We will be actively targeting offenders who pose the greatest risk of reoffending and causing harm.
“By identifying these offenders, police can disrupt offending behaviour and reduce victimisation.”
People can view the latest Victorian crime statistics online at www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au.
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