Shop theft remains at near-record levels across the Echuca district. Picture: AI generated image.
A small group of serial offenders is helping keep shop theft near record highs in Echuca, as police grapple with rising assaults and a sharp jump in breaches of bail.
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New Crime Statistics Agency figures show 1956 offences were recorded across the Echuca district in the year to June 2026, down 6.7 per cent from a decade-high 2097 the previous year.
But the overall drop masks stubborn problems.
Retail theft remained near its record high at 257 offences, while crimes against the person climbed to 288, the highest figure in the 10 years shown.
Echuca police Acting Inspector Damian Keegan said repeat offenders remained a major factor in retail crime.
“Retail theft continues to be driven by a relatively small cohort of repeat offenders, many of whom present with complex issues such as substance abuse, mental health concerns and social disadvantage,” he said.
“Police continue to work closely with retailers to identify offenders, share intelligence and prevent further offending.”
Echuca police Acting Inspector Damian Keegan is assuring Echuca residents and traders that police remain focused on targeting repeat offenders, supporting victims and maintaining a visible presence within the community following the release of Victorian crime statistics.
Photo by
Ivy Jensen
The scale of the long-term rise is stark. In 2017, 97 retail theft offences were recorded. By 2021, that figure was 44. It then climbed to 96 in 2023, 160 in 2024 and a record 258 last year.
At 257 offences this year, shop theft remains almost six times the 2021 figure.
Repeat offending is also evident elsewhere in the statistics.
Breaches of bail conditions soared 55 per cent from 122 to 190 in 12 months, a record high in 10 years.
Insp Keegan said the rise was largely caused by repeat offenders failing to comply with court-imposed conditions, as well as proactive police work uncovering breaches.
“Recidivist offending continues to be a key driver of crime both locally and across Victoria,” he said.
Police were particularly focused on “monitoring and managing high-harm offenders”.
The figures also reveal a concerning shift towards offences against people.
Family violence serious assaults jumped from 55 to 69, while non-family violence serious assaults rose from 35 to 49.
Insp Keegan said there was no single explanation, with family violence, alcohol and drugs, mental health issues, ongoing disputes and repeat offending all contributing.
“Any increase in offences against the person is concerning,” he said.
“These offences have a significant impact on victims and remain a key focus for local police.”
There was better news in property crime. Property and deception offences fell 13 per cent from 1258 to 1095, while theft from motor vehicles almost halved from 205 to 106. Residential non-aggravated burglaries also fell from 98 to 79.
Insp Keegan credited proactive policing, targeted management of offenders, Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology and increased community awareness.
Criminal damage offences have increased in Echuca over the past 12 months.
Photo by
CHBD
Criminal damage, however, rose 16 per cent from 178 to 207 offences.
An Echuca hotel manager has had more than $1000 worth of damage caused at the property in the past nine months. In about a dozen incidents, a group of young people has come to the hotel, smashed windows and lights, jumped in the pool and verbally abused staff and guests.
Despite this year’s overall fall, crime in the Echuca district remains 27 per cent higher than the 1537 offences recorded in 2017.
Insp Keegan said this year’s reduction showed policing and prevention efforts were having an impact, but acknowledged significant challenges remained.
“Residents and traders can be assured that police remain focused on targeting repeat offenders, supporting victims and maintaining a visible presence within the community,” he said.
Retail crime, family violence, assaults and repeat offenders will remain among police priorities in coming months, with newly introduced frontline support officers intended to free sworn officers for more patrols and operational policing.
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