Duo Charged After Seizure of Vehicles, Drugs, and Stolen Firearm in Safety Beach As Mornington Peninsula Grapples with 29.1% Increase in Crime

*Crime on the Mornington Peninsula has increased by 29.1 per cent.*

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria – Crime has surged by 29.1% across the Mornington Peninsula, with police grappling with rising drug offences, firearm-related crimes, and property theft. Recent data from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria reveals that criminal incidents increased from 6,911 in 2023 to 8,919 in 2024, marking a significant spike in offences across the region.

The latest figures indicate that the crime rate per 100,000 population climbed from 4,059.49 in 2023 to 5,223.35 in 2024, reflecting growing law enforcement challenges in the area. While the Peninsula’s crime rate remains lower than the state average (6,195.09 per 100,000 population), authorities warn that the increase is a cause for concern.

Duo Charged in Major Safety Beach Raid

*A man and a woman from Safety Beach have been charged regarding stolen vehicle, drugs and firearm offences.*

This rise in crime coincides with a recent high-profile police operation in Safety Beach, where two individuals were charged following the seizure of a stolen shotgun, drugs, and suspected proceeds of crime. The Mornington Divisional Response Unit executed a search warrant on Rymer Avenue on 5 February, uncovering over 6 litres of 1,4-Butanediol (a drug often used as an alternative to GHB), cannabis plants, methylamphetamine, and prescription medications.

Officers also seized an Audi sedan and two Honda CBR motorcycles, believed to be linked to criminal activity.

A 38-year-old Safety Beach man has been remanded in custody, facing charges including trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and handling stolen goods.
A 40-year-old Safety Beach woman has been bailed and will appear at Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 6 March on drug possession and proceeds of crime charges.

Teenagers Charged After Imitation Gun Incident at Somerville Central

*Teens that harrassed shoppers with fake gun’s have been arrested.*

Somerville, Victoria – In a recent event, three teenage boys, aged 13, 14, and 16, were arrested after allegedly stealing imitation firearms from a store within Somerville Central Shopping Centre on Eramosa Road. The incident occurred around 10:40 am on Thursday, 6 February. The youths reportedly brandished the fake guns, pointing them at shoppers, including a woman and her child, causing significant distress among patrons.

Police responded swiftly, apprehending the trio in the shopping centre’s car park. The teenagers have been charged with affray and possession of an imitation firearm. They were granted bail and are scheduled to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Rising Crime Trends: A Growing Challenge

The Safety Beach arrests are part of a broader trend of increasing drug and property-related crimes across the Mornington Peninsula. Data highlights that:

Theft remains one of the most reported crimes, with motor vehicle-related offences being a major concern.
Breaches of family violence orders have also seen a steady increase, posing further challenges for law enforcement and social services.
Criminal damage and residential burglaries continue to affect households, with police urging residents to enhance security measures.

Community and Police Collaboration Key to Reducing Crime

Authorities are calling for greater community cooperation to help curb the crime surge. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities and take part in local crime prevention initiatives.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activities is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online.