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The Mornington Peninsula’s crime rate has spiked by a staggering 24% over the past year, significantly outpacing the statewide average of 15%, according to new data released by the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria on June 19.

A surge in thefts from motor vehicles is a major contributor to the rise, with incidents up 50% year-over-year — from 908 cases to 1370. The Mornington Peninsula region also saw sharp increases in residential burglaries, retail theft, family violence order breaches, and motor vehicle theft, highlighting a troubling trend in local crime activity.

Hotspots of Crime in Mornington Peninsula

Several suburbs reported some of the highest crime rate increases:

• Hastings: Up 40%
• Dromana: Up 37%
• Somerville: Up 24%
• Rosebud: Up 14%
• Mornington: Up 18%

Victoria Police confirmed that many of these incidents were concentrated in retail precincts, homes, and public parking areas, with organized shoplifting rings and opportunistic vehicle thefts among the key drivers.

Retail Theft and Alcohol Shoplifting Hit Record Highs

As cost-of-living pressures rise, so has the frequency of retail theft in Victoria, with shoplifting — particularly alcohol theft — at an all-time high. “Organized groups are working together to steal goods and re-sell them for profit,” said Victoria Police.

Police also reported a record number of arrests — averaging 208 per day — as they ramp up enforcement across Melbourne’s suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula.

Car Theft in Victoria: Push-Start Vehicles Targeted

Car thefts in Victoria have climbed to their highest levels since 2002. Shockingly, more than 20% of stolen vehicles were taken even though the owner still had the keys. Criminals are increasingly using electronic hacking devices to override ignition systems in push-start models.

Top stolen makes include:

• Holden
• Toyota
• Subaru

Victoria Police recommend installing OBD port locks and using additional anti-theft technology to protect against these advanced methods.

“There is no doubt overall crime is higher than both the community and police would like,” Acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said. “That’s why every police officer is working tirelessly to reduce crime and hold criminals accountable – as they did in these twelve months with a record 75,968 arrests.’

Youth Crime and Family Violence Offences on the Rise

Youth-related offences are another growing concern. Over the past year, police made more than 3,300 arrests of young offenders aged 10–17, many involved in home invasions and carjackings under Operation Trinity and Operation Alliance.

Meanwhile, breaches of family violence intervention orders continue to rise, with offenders using mobile phones and social media to harass victims — prompting renewed calls for stronger digital monitoring and enforcement.

Knife Crimes and Weapons Offences Also Climbing

Although the Crime Statistics Agency does not break out knife crimes separately, Victoria Police reported a rise in prohibited weapons offences, which include knives, tasers, knuckle dusters, and batons. On the Mornington Peninsula, 98 such cases were recorded, up from 96 the previous year.

Political Response and Calls for More Frontline Police

Mornington MP Chris Crewther called the statistics a “worrying picture,” urging the government to increase police presence and reception hours on the peninsula. “We need to close the 1100-officer gap, increase intervention programs, and deliver stronger consequences for repeat offenders,” he said.

The office of Hastings MP Paul Mercurio has been contacted for comment.

Protecting Local Communities: AI Security and Crime Prevention

As traditional policing struggles to keep pace, many local businesses and residents are turning to AI security systems and smart surveillance monitoring to combat rising crime. Tools like real-time AI threat detection, remote monitoring, and automated alerts can offer critical support in preventing break-ins, theft, and vandalism — before they escalate.

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