People are scared and many believe Victoria is losing control of crime

There’s a comment becoming increasingly common across Victoria: “I don’t feel safe any more.”

And it’s not even about happening in shopping centre car parks, walking at dusk and not even at home for some older Australians.

This week’s Herald Sun investigation into reduced police station hours and rising burglary rates have made people react because many Victorians already sense something has shifted. The fear is no longer isolated to rough pockets or crime hotspots and is spreading into ordinary suburbia.

Older Australians, especially, are feeling it deeply.

According to Crime Statistics Agency figures, Victoria recorded more than 638,000 offences in the 2024-25 financial year — that’s a 15.7 per cent increase on the previous year. Residential aggravated burglaries remain near record highs and motor vehicle theft has surged more than 40 per cent.

The Herald Sun investigation found areas where police station access was reduced recorded a 16.4 per cent rise in home burglaries over two years, while areas that maintained access saw a slight decline. Regional Victoria reportedly experienced a 24.6 per cent spike in crime after station closures and reduced opening hours.

Important numbers, and statistics only tell part of the story.

Fear is changing behaviour

Talk to older Australians and you hear the same themes repeatedly.

People are locking up earlier, installing cameras, avoiding public transport at night and Spending thousands on home security systems because they no longer trust somebody will arrive quickly if they call for help.

Some openly admit they sleep with cricket bats or other defensive items beside the bed.

That might sound extreme but it reflects a growing loss of confidence.

For many older people, the family home is their sanctuary with some having lived in the same house for 30 or 40 years. They raised children there and built their lives there.

Now many say they feel vulnerable in a way they never imagined.

One of the more confronting parts of the Herald Sun reporting was hearing security experts describe residents effectively taking protection into their own hands because they believe criminals are becoming bolder.

And Victorians are angry. They look at repeat offenders, weak bail debates, youth gangs splashed across headlines, and then they hear politicians telling them crime fears are exaggerated. It’s bullshit.

That disconnect only fuels frustration further.

Check out Politicians Inflaming Fears Over Crime.

It’s not only about crime rates

The bigger issue may actually be confidence in such thigns as policing, leadership and confidence that decent people still come first. Because once fear enters everyday life, behaviour changes quickly.

Older Australians stop going out at night, some stop answering the door after dark and others become hyper-alert in public spaces.

Fear certainly shrinks independence, which is a serious social problem in a state with an ageing population.

Victoria is still full of good communities and decent people, and the truth is most residents will never experience a violent home invasion.

But governments also cannot dismiss the emotional reality many older Australians are living with right now. When pensioners start discussing self-defence over morning coffee, something has changed in the social fabric.

Five ways older Australians can improve home security

Crime experts consistently say visible deterrents still make a major difference.

1. Upgrade outdoor lighting

Motion sensor lighting around driveways, side paths and entry points remains one of the simplest deterrents for opportunistic thieves.

2. Install visible security cameras

Modern camera systems are cheaper than ever and can provide real-time phone alerts. Even visible cameras alone can discourage intruders. Now is a great time to purchase with End Of Financial Year sales running now, like this one at JB HiFi

3. Reinforce doors and locks

Deadlocks, security screen doors and stronger sliding door protection remain among the best home security investments.

4. Keep valuables out of sight

Many burglaries happen because offenders spot handbags, wallets, laptops or car keys through windows.

5. Stay connected with neighbours

One of the oldest protections still works surprisingly well: neighbours watching out for each other. Older Australians often say communities felt safer when people actually knew who lived next door.

The uncomfortable truth is many Victorians now feel they have to think about these things far more than they once did, and that alone says a lot about where the state currently stands.