Crime is spiraling out of control across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston, leaving residents increasingly concerned about their safety. The latest figures from Victoria Police reveal a 28.3% surge in criminal incidents on the Mornington Peninsula and a 12% jump in property crimes in Frankston. With theft, burglaries, and family violence cases rising, the need for action has never been more urgent.
Crime Hotspots in the Mornington Peninsula
With the crime rate now at 9,299 incidents per 100,000 people, some suburbs are bearing the brunt of the surge:
- Mornington – 1,501 incidents
- Rosebud – 1,315 incidents
- Hastings – 1,206 incidents
- Dromana – 629 incidents
- Somerville – 594 incidents
Retail spaces remain crime hotspots, with 3,312 reported incidents, followed by streets (281 incidents), driveways (138 incidents), and homes (112 incidents).
Most common crimes include:
- Theft from motor vehicles – 1,297 incidents
- Other theft – 896 incidents
- Breach of family violence orders – 762 incidents
- Residential non-aggravated burglaries – 746 incidents
- Criminal damage – 694 incidents
The rise in theft-related offences, particularly in public areas, suggests that criminals are becoming bolder, putting extra pressure on local law enforcement.
Frankston’s Crime Crisis: Property Offences on the Rise
In Frankston, crime is spiraling, with property-related offences seeing a sharp increase. Certain suburbs are now crime hotspots:
- Frankston – 6,817 incidents
- Seaford – 1,926 incidents
- Carrum Downs – 1,742 incidents
- Langwarrin – 868 incidents
- Frankston North – 643 incidents
Break-ins, thefts, and car-related crimes are among the biggest concerns:
- Motor vehicle thefts are rising, mirroring a 41.2% statewide increase.
- Organized shoplifting rings are frequently targeting retail stores, with alcohol among the most stolen items.
- Family violence-related offences continue to climb, highlighting deeper social issues that require urgent attention.
Authorities and Community Fighting Back
Local councils and Victoria Police are stepping up efforts to combat the surge in crime. Operations Trinity and Alliance have led to thousands of arrests, yet authorities acknowledge that enforcement alone won’t be enough.
Frankston has expanded CCTV surveillance and Neighborhood Watch programs, while the Mornington Peninsula is pushing for additional police resources to target repeat offenders. Many believe that youth intervention programs and social services are just as critical in preventing crime before it happens.
A Call for Community Action
Despite the concerning statistics, experts believe a stronger partnership between law enforcement, local government, and residents is the key to turning things around.
Dr. Helen Tzeng, a criminologist at Monash University, emphasizes,
“Crime prevention isn’t just about policing—it’s about education, community programs, and support for at-risk individuals.”
The escalating crime rates in the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston serve as a wake-up call. Reversing these troubling trends will require stronger policing, community awareness, and targeted support programs. Now more than ever, residents, businesses, and law enforcement must work together to stop crime from becoming the new normal. The time to act is now.
