CRIME across the Kingston local government area has dropped by over eight per cent in the year ended March 2026, according to newly released figures from the Crime Statistics Agency.
There were 11,906 criminal offences recorded in the Kingston LGA in the year ending March 2026, down from 12,986 offences in the previous year, a drop of 8.3 per cent.
Despite the drop, crime has still risen in the Kingston LGA by over 25 per cent since 2022.
Cheltenham was the suburb most affected by crime, with 2197 offences. Mentone had 919 offences, up from 888 in the previous 12 months, and Mordialloc had 700 offences, down from 826 offences.
The data shows the largest offence recorded was “steal from a motor vehicle”, decreasing in the 12 months from 1828 incidents to 1630 incidents.
The next most common offence was “steal from a retail store” which dropped from 1184 offences in the previous 12 months to 1093 in the 12 months up to March 2026.
The third most common offence was “other theft”, which dropped from 1218 offences in the previous 12 months compared to 11075 incidents in the 12 months to March 2026.
Data also showed of 4752 offences lead to an arrest of summons, and 5508 offences (46.3 per cent) remained unsolved.
In the neighbouring Frankston LGA, total offences went down 3.7 per cent from 17,740 to 17,079 incidents. The offence “steal from a motor vehicle” was the most common offence with 2127 offences recorded for the 12 months until March 2026.
Statewide, criminal offences have fallen slightly with 625,426 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in the twelve months to March 2026 – a decrease of 1,524 or 0.2%.
A statement from Victoria Police said: “While this is the first time Victoria has recorded a decrease in crime in almost four years, ever so slight it is, crime remains far too high”.
“Despite today’s decrease, overall crime has still increased by 26% over the past three years.”
Victoria Police analysis suggests it will take some time before crime reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria, with the cost of living, recidivism, organised crime and drugs remaining the main drivers, enabled through the increased use of technology.
“While pleasing to see overall crime slightly decrease, the reality is that overall crime in Victoria still remains far higher than both police and the community would like,” said Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill.
“This is why we are absolutely committed to ensuring our highly trained officers are where they are needed most – in the community, patrolling the streets, deterring criminal behaviour and preventing crime.
“This approach is pivotal to achieving Victoria Police’s goal of reducing serious and violent crime by 5% each year.
“The early indications are we’re making some positive steps to achieve this with armed robberies, carjackings, and aggravated home burglaries all reducing.
“Our dedicated officers continue to work extremely hard around-the-clock to protect the community, with a record 210 offenders arrested every day.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 24 June 2026