Residents of the picturesque town of Creswick, located near Ballarat in central Victoria, are expressing growing concern over a significant increase in crime, particularly during overnight hours. Local business owners and long-time residents report a noticeable shift in the town's atmosphere, with a surge in property offences leaving the community feeling vulnerable.

Concerns Mount Over Overnight Incidents

The Farmers Arms Hotel has been the target of two break-ins in just four nights, while Shirl's Cafe across the road has also experienced multiple intrusions over the past year. Christine Molloy, publican at The Farmers Arms Hotel, described the situation as dire. "There's been excessive amounts of crime that's been going on, and it seems to be getting worse," Ms Molloy stated, reflecting the sentiment of many in the community.

The perception among locals is that opportunistic criminals are deliberately targeting Creswick after dark, taking advantage of the absence of an overnight police presence. Official crime statistics for the 12 months to March this year recorded 313 offences in Creswick, a significant jump from the 188 offences recorded in the same period the previous year. For a town of approximately 2,800 residents, this increase is keenly felt.

Residents Call for Increased Police Visibility

Long-time residents like Ms Molloy, who has lived in Creswick for 18 years, lament the loss of the town's former sense of security. "Back in the day, we used to be able to leave our back doors open; everything was always safe," she recalled. "I want to feel safe again and live in the town that I moved to and I love dearly." Her attempts to identify one of the perpetrators through CCTV footage and a reward offer were unsuccessful, adding to her unease.

Warren Porter, owner of Shirl's Cafe, echoed these concerns, highlighting the feeling of emboldenment among offenders. "They [perpetrators] have been out on the street while we're all sleeping," Mr Porter said. "Hopefully, we'll get a copper here down the track who can spend a bit more time here at night." Residents have reported that after-hours calls to the Creswick police station are often redirected to Bacchus Marsh, over 60 kilometres away, and that Triple Zero (000) calls are discouraged unless it's a life-or-death emergency.

Official Response and Broader Trends

Despite the local outcry, Victoria Police have maintained that Creswick remains a safe place to live, characterising the rise in crime as "slight." A spokesperson indicated that police vehicles are prioritised for community patrols rather than desk duties, and that the Creswick station is well-staffed. However, state crime statistics reveal that property offences, including breaking and entering, have risen by 38 per cent across Victoria in the past four years, with Creswick experiencing a more than doubling, a 114 per cent increase, in just three years.

Eilidh McKechnie, who experienced a car theft attempt while home alone with her children, described the incident as "really unnerving" and "very planned," noting the perpetrators wore gloves and masks. She believes that overnight police patrols would act as a significant deterrent. Former mayor Tony Clark acknowledged the town's increased concern and fear, noting that while a manned police station might help, a comprehensive approach including enhanced CCTV surveillance is also necessary.

The growing unease in Creswick comes amidst a broader state-wide concern about law and order. Recent data suggests a significant portion of Victorians do not feel safe in their homes, and crime is expected to be a major focus in upcoming state elections, with various parties proposing new measures to address the issue.