According to the Crime Statistics Agency’s latest figures, crime rates have risen across the Ovens Valley region, with Moira Shire faring better than other shires.
Total criminal incidents in the Alpine Shire have shot up by 22 per cent in 2025, and in Wangaratta, criminal incidents have increased from 1648 in 2024 to 1662 in 2025.
Moira Shire’s total criminal incidents have risen slightly in comparison by 0.4% in 2025, but total criminal incidents in Cobram have dropped from 590 in 2024 to 572 in 2025.
State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said across the region, crime trends are heading in the wrong direction.
Mr McCurdy said the figures reflected what many locals were already experiencing.
“People in our region deserve to feel safe,” he said.
Mr McCurdy said he would continue to fight for stronger action to restore community safety across the Ovens Valley.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said crime rates are still unacceptable and there are too many victims in the community.
“There’s more work to do to keep the community safe, but we can already see the tougher bail laws are working and offending by young males is now falling,” the spokesperson said.
“That’s why we delivered Adult Time, toughened bail laws, and backed Victoria Police with more powers.
“Bail refusals are at record highs because our laws now prioritise community safety above all.
“This progress will continue with Labor’s Adult Time laws and the final stages of our tougher bail laws coming online.”
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