Community Safety Concerns Echo Through Geelong Neighbourhoods

A recent community safety report has sparked strong reactions from residents across Geelong, particularly in the suburbs of Belmont and Newtown, where concerns over rising petty crime and public safety are mounting.

The Barwon region’s latest safety audit, released last week by the Victoria Police and the City of Greater Geelong, revealed subtle but worrying shifts in the nature of local incidents. The report highlights a growing unease that calls for timely attention to maintain the city’s overall reputation as a safe place to live and work.

Voices from Belmont and Newtown

In Belmont, a suburb known for its mix of residential streets and light industrial zones, many people describe a sense of vulnerability that didn’t exist five years ago. Julie Marsh, who has lived on Kitchener Road for over a decade, said she now hesitates to leave home late at night after reports of burglaries increased in her area earlier this year.

“It used to be a quiet community where everyone looked out for each other,” Marsh explained. “Now, I’m hearing more about car break-ins and odd people hanging around the shops on High Street.” Local business owners, such as those at the Belmont Plant Farm on Sly Street, have noted a rise in shoplifting incidents, prompting some to install better lighting and security cameras.

Meanwhile, Newtown residents near Pakington Street have voiced frustration over incidents of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and occasional assaults near the popular eateries and bars. The Newtown Community Centre, a hub for local events and support services, has partnered with Victoria Police to hold monthly safety forums, aiming to bring residents and authorities together.

Data and Details Behind the Concerns

The safety report documents a 12% increase in reported property crimes in the Barwon South West region over the past year, with vehicle-related thefts and break-ins particularly prevalent. Between March and May 2026, 87 incidents were recorded in Belmont alone, a noticeable jump compared to 67 for the same period in 2025.

City officials have pointed to social and economic pressures, including housing affordability challenges in areas like Lara and Grovedale, as contributing factors. Despite steady federal investment through the Geelong City Deal, which includes a $450 million infrastructure upgrade aiming to enhance public spaces and lighting, some residents feel tangible improvements have yet to filter down to street level.

Victoria Police representatives also noted that while violent crime rates remain relatively low, public confidence has been affected by recent events such as the tragic case of Layla Jeffery and a 16-year-old charged with murder, incidents that have cast long shadows across the wider region.

Deakin University, a key local employer and research institution, is conducting ongoing studies into community wellbeing and urban design, with early findings suggesting that increased communal activities and improved night safety measures could help address some residents’ fears.

Local law enforcement continues to trial new initiatives, including enhanced foot patrols around the Geelong Waterfront precinct and the introduction of neighbourhood watch apps tailored for suburbs like Highton and Belmont.

Residents are encouraged to participate in these community safety forums and report suspicious behaviour via official police channels. City of Greater Geelong also advises maintaining visible home security measures and forming local street alliances.

Ongoing dialogue between authorities and communities remains central to crafting effective safety solutions, especially as Geelong navigates growth and change following its transition from an automotive-focused economy toward diversified industries.