Police & Court

Crime hits decade high in Greater Shepparton

By Grace Carter

Oct 8, 2025

Greater Shepparton’s crime statistics for the past 12 months have been released. Photo by McPherson Media Group

Family violence and retail theft have been identified as two of the top five criminal incidents in Greater Shepparton, based on newly released crime statistics.

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According to the Crime Statistics Agency’s latest report, there were 7193 criminal incidents recorded in Greater Shepparton for the year ending June 2025, up 17.5 per cent from 6121 in 2024.

There were also 10,927 criminal offences recorded, up 24.1 per cent from last year’s 8803.

The most recorded criminal incident in Greater Shepparton was breaching a family violence order, with 920 incidents recorded, almost 200 more than last year.

Family violence-related assaults made up 58.29 per cent of 887 assaults recorded, up from 57.34 per cent of 797 assaults last year.

There was also an increase in family incidents, with 2443 recorded this year after 2065 last year.

Shepparton Local Area Commander Inspector Brad Fisher said the increase in breaches of family violence orders could be linked to the fact the community had more confidence in reporting those kinds of crimes to police.

“In the past year alone, police in Shepparton have detected 2939 breaches of family violence orders, an average of eight a day,” he said.

“There is absolutely no place for family violence in our community, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.

“We have specialist teams dedicated to family violence, and a multidisciplinary centre where police and partner services work side by side to provide support to those who need it most.”

There were 1974 theft incidents recorded, marking the most in a decade since recording began, and an increase of 634 compared to last year.

Stealing from a retail store in particular was the third most recorded criminal incident, with 564 incidents recorded, which was also the most in the decade.

Insp Fisher said family violence and retail theft were the biggest challenges local police faced.

“The increase in retail theft offences is no surprise to police, as we have been actively targeting this issue to protect local businesses and support the community,” he said.

“Over the past year, police have run seven dedicated retail theft operations in partnership with local traders, resulting in 139 arrests.”

Another notable statistic included 678 property damage incidents, which was up from 600 last year.

Arson and robbery incidents almost doubled, with the biggest arson offence being causing damage by fire.

The same amount of drug offences were recorded (333); however, this included a reduction in drug dealing and trafficking incidents, with 40 recorded this year compared to 69 last year.