According to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria, Warrnambool crime rate for the year ending June 2022 was 8905 incidents per 100,000 population. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.

Warrnambool Crime Index

44

(100 is safest)

Safer than 44% of most Australia cities

Warrnambool Crime Map

Warrnambool city crime map

Is Warrnambool Safe?

Warrnambool has moderate safety metrics. Crime rates in Warrnambool are near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in Australia. Warrnambool is safer than 44% of all Australian communities and than 36% of Victoria cities and towns. However, breach family violence order is a common offence in Warrnambool.

Warrnambool Crime Statistics at a Glance

Has Crime in Warrnambool city increased or decreased in the past 5 years? The chart below shows the 60-month historical trend of the number of offences that occurred in Warrnambool.

60-month trend of criminal incidents across Warrnambool
  • The number of criminal incidents recorded by Victoria Police in the year 2022 was 2929, down 10% from 3242 incidents recorded in the same period last year.
  • Warrnambool is in the 36th percentile for safety, meaning 65% of Victoria urban areas are safer than Warrnambool and 36% of urban areas are more dangerous than Warrnambool.
  • Common crime: breach family violence order.
  • Safest suburb in Warrnambool city: Dennington suburb.
  • Top areas to avoid in Warrnambool city (bad areas): Warrnambool suburb.
  • The number of assault offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 14% (49 Incidents) compared to the previous year..
  • The number of deception offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 62% (201 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of burglary offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 9% (13 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of theft offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 4% (21 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of robbery offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 20% (1 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of motor vehicle thefts recorded in 2022 decreased by 5% (2 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of vandalism offences (Property damage) recorded in 2022 decreased by 11% (33 Incidents) compared to the previous year.

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Crime in Warrnambool: An In-Depth Analysis

Based on the latest crime statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria, AU Crime Rate’s analysis indicates that Warrnambool is safer than only 44% of all communities across the nation, regardless of population size. This implies that Warrnambool’s crime rate is near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in Australia.

How does Warrnambool perform compared to other cities and towns of all population sizes in Victoria? The crime rate in Warrnambool city is greater than that of roughly 65% of other cities and towns in Victoria, leading to moderate public safety scores.

As a resident of Warrnambool, the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 19 based on the combined crime rate of offences against the person and property. This is in contrast to the Victoria average, where the chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 19.

To get a more comprehensive understanding of Warrnambool’s crime statistics, it is essential to take a closer look at its against the person and property crime data. This examination is particularly critical because it enables us to determine whether violent crime, property crime, or both are the primary contributors to the total crime rate in Warrnambool. By doing so, we can gain a more in-depth insight into the nature and extent of crime in Warrnambool.

AU Crime Rate’s analysis has uncovered that the rate of crimes against the person in Warrnambool is 1769 per one hundred thousand inhabitants. By contrast, the statewide average for such crimes stands at 1247. This suggests that experiencing serious offences like homicide, assault, robbery, dangerous and negligent acts endangering people, stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour is 1 in 56 if you reside in Warrnambool.

Our data reveal that the odds of becoming a victim of property crime in Warrnambool city are 1 in 31, with a rate of 3153 incidents per 100,000 residents. Keep in mind that the Victoria average is 3580 incidents per 100,000 residents. The types of property crimes tracked in this analysis include theft, burglary, arson, deception, bribery, and damage to property.

Want to understand criminal offences in Victoria and make sense of crime data? Our easy-to-understand crime glossary provides definitions for Victoria’s common criminal offences. Check it out and get the inside scoop on crime in Victoria!

Warrnambool Crime Rates by Offences Division

DivisionNumber of CrimesCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Crimes against the person5821769
Property and deception offences10373153
Drug offences200608
Public order and security offences200608
Justice procedures offences7902402
Other offences120365
Total29298905

Warrnambool Crimes Against the Person

These are violent crimes against people whether these are family violence or non-family violence. Basically, if someone does something to hurt or scare another person, it’s considered a crime against the person. This includes:

  • Assault and related offences: There are different types of assault, like serious assault, which is when someone causes really serious injuries as a result of a physical attack, and assault on police, emergency services or other authorised officers, which is when someone attacks a cop or a paramedic or someone doing their job. There’s also common assault, which is like when someone threatens to punch you or makes you feel scared for your safety.
  • Robbery: There are two types of robbery or mugging: aggravated and non-aggravated. Aggravated robbery is when someone uses a weapon like a knife or a firearm (armed robbery) or causes serious harm to the victim during the robbery, like hitting them with a bat or a gun. Non-aggravated robbery is when someone doesn’t use a weapon or cause serious harm during the robbery but still uses force or the threat of force to take something from the victim.
  • Dangerous and negligent acts endangering people: These refer to behaviours or actions that put others at risk of harm or injury due to carelessness or recklessness. Examples of dangerous and negligent acts include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not properly securing a load on a vehicle that could fall and cause an accident, leaving hazardous materials unattended, and failing to maintain a property in a safe condition.
  • Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour: This represents harassing or threatening someone based on their race, skin colour, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability, in what’s known as hate crimes. It also includes insulting someone, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a Crime Against the Person

1 in 56

In Warrnambool

1 in 78

In Victoria

Crimes Against the Person Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Violent crimes against the person in Warrnambool city vs Victoria in Australia

Crimes Against the Person: Warrnambool vs Victoria

Warrnambool population: 32891

Victoria population: 6503491

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (per 100,000 residents)VIC Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents)
Assault and related offences29145391885689
Robbery423501236
Dangerous and negligent acts endangering people51629315596
Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour10013324304202

It’s important to note that the crime rates for sexual offences and homicide are not included in the previously mentioned data for Warrnambool. Here is Victoria’s total data for these offences can be used as a benchmark for comparison.

CrimesVictoria Total Criminal incidentsVIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 residents)
Homicide and related offences1983
Sexual offences13576206

Warrnambool Property and Deception Offences

These are crimes related to stealing or damaging property or deceiving someone for personal gain. Property crimes include:

  • Theft: It can be committed in various forms such as shoplifting, stealing from a person’s home, or taking a vehicle without permission. Other examples include stealing a bicycle, snatching a purse, or taking items from an unattended bag.
  • Burglary (unlawful entry): Aggravated and non-aggravated burglaries are examples of burglary. Aggravated burglary involves the use of weapons, threats, or violence during the break-in, while non-aggravated burglary does not involve such factors.
  • Arson: Arson is a criminal act of intentionally setting fire to a property, building, or forest (bushfire)  without lawful or justifiable reason.
  • Property damage: This refers to intentional or accidental harm caused to someone else’s property, such as vandalism, or graffiti.
  • Deception: This is a broad category of offences that includes various examples. These include forgery and counterfeiting, deceptive business practices, professional malpractice and misrepresentation, and other similar offences. Additionally, it includes obtaining benefits by deception, possessing equipment to make a false instrument, and stating false information. All of these crimes involve intentionally deceiving others for personal gain or causing harm to others through fraudulent means.
  • Bribery: Sneaky shortcut to get ahead by taking advantage of someone’s position or power.

My Chances of Becoming a Victim of Property and Deception Offences

1 in 31

In Warrnambool

1 in 27

In Victoria

Property and Deception Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Property offences in Warrnambool city vs Victoria

Property and Deception Offences: Warrnambool vs Victoria, Australia

Warrnambool population: 32891

Victoria population: 6503491

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)VIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Property damage25438352772582
Burglary/Break and enter12929621392449
Theft50713866815412103
Arson2221246732
Deception12527275380414
Bribery0300.05

Here is a breakdown of Warrnambool crime rate and offences count for the major property and deception offences.

CrimesNo. of offencesRate
Motor vehicle theft41125
Steal from motor vehicle115350
Steal from retail store90274
Aggravated burglary1546
Non-aggravated burglary114347

Drug Offences

Drug offences are illegal activities involving drugs like possession, trafficking, and manufacturing. It can involve both illicit and legal drugs like prescription medicines used improperly.

Drug Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Drug offences in Warrnambool city vs VIC

Drug Offences: Warrnambool vs Victoria

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)VIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Drug use and possession16724069508365
Drug dealing and trafficking2637347957
Cultivate or manufacture drugs717162126
Other drug offences049308

Public Order and Security Offences

Public order and security offences refer to crimes that threaten the safety and security of the community, such as disorderly conduct, possession of illegal weapons, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace. These offences can also include crimes that disrupt the functioning of society, like rioting, protesting without a permit, and obstructing traffic.

Public Order and Security Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Public order and security offences comparison chart

Public Order and Security Offences: Warrnambool vs Victoria

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)VIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Public nuisance offences2839188559
Disorderly and offensive conduct649174195139
Public security offences137536
Weapons and explosives offences10714941325227

Warrnambool Crimes per Square KM

Crimes per square km in Warrnambool city vs VIC

What’s the most common crime in Warrnambool city?

According to the latest available data from the Crime Statistics Agency of Victoria (CSA), the most common type of crime in Warrnambool is breach family violence order.

What is the crime rate in Warrnambool city?

The overall crime rate in Warrnambool city, as measured by the number of reported offences per 100,000 population was 8905 in the year ending June 2022.

However, it’s important to note that this is an aggregate figure that includes all types of crime, and some types of offences are more prevalent than others. Additionally, crime rates can vary by location, with some areas experiencing higher rates of certain types of crime than others.

Is Warrnambool city a safe place to live in?

Warrnambool city is safer than 44% of cities and towns across Australia and the crime rates are near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in Australia. Compared to Victoria cities, Warrnambool city is safer than 36% of other communities in the state which are considered moderate safety scores in Victoria.

What suburb has the highest crime rate in Warrnambool city?

Warrnambool is the suburb with the highest rate of reported criminal incidents in Warrnambool city with a rate of 9131 incidents per 100,000 population, according to CSA 2022 data. Yet, Warrnambool suburb is safer than 17% of Victoria suburbs.

What is the safest suburb in Warrnambool city?

Dennington is the safest suburb in Warrnambool city with a rate of 3600 incidents per 100,000 population as per CSA report. Dennington suburb is safer than 36% of Victoria suburbs.

However, it’s important to note that low crime rates do not necessarily guarantee safety, and that crime can occur anywhere, so it’s important to always stay vigilant and take appropriate safety measures.

Warrnambool Crime Rate by Suburb

Warrnambool suburbsTotal crimes in 2021Total crime rate in 2021Total crimes in 2022Total crime rate in 2022
Darley39743243263551Bacchus Marsh
Bacchus Marsh1182151156658504Bacchus Marsh
Maddingley27550282765047Bacchus Marsh
Bairnsdale180322927189624110Bairnsdale
Eastwood11339621274453Bairnsdale
Wy Yung964913582968Bairnsdale
Lucknow8659681238536Bairnsdale
East Bairnsdale2481838422616753Bairnsdale
Alfredton57348425874961Ballarat
Wendouree133612831152914685Ballarat
Sebastopol10401022310059879Ballarat
Ballarat East582981066211158Ballarat
Delacombe52597135409991Ballarat
Ballarat Central201537287222341136Ballarat
Brown Hill13530101733857Ballarat
Canadian22755352255486Ballarat
Ballarat North22354992105179Ballarat
Miners Rest10126361062767Ballarat
Buninyong13034561503987Ballarat
Mount Clear19653261594321Ballarat
Winter Valley10630891394050Ballarat
Mount Helen943104993269Ballarat
Redan3861279830810212Ballarat
Lucas7725801314389Ballarat
Lake Wendouree14450172619094Ballarat
Soldiers Hill23985022428609Ballarat
Mount Pleasant20089731787986Ballarat
Golden Point2481118129313210Ballarat
Black Hill13764261346285Ballarat
Newington1307054824449Ballarat
Lake Gardens713962724018Ballarat
Invermay Park653853533142Ballarat
Cardigan373497353308Ballarat
Nerrina575804616212Ballarat
Bonshaw434470687069Ballarat
Mitchell Park961075010511758Ballarat
Eureka5687777511755Ballarat
Magpie318493267123Ballarat
Bakery Hill11667836198115789Ballarat
Kangaroo Flat133511801117310369Bendigo
Golden Square75782247007605Bendigo
Strathfieldsaye20530102083054Bendigo
Kennington44875933485898Bendigo
Strathdale36563643115423Bendigo
Bendigo263846723240142526Bendigo
Eaglehawk53495704648315Bendigo
Maiden Gully15628881863443Bendigo
Epsom33767323486952Bendigo
California Gully393880445010081Bendigo
North Bendigo464108564079523Bendigo
Flora Hill31679182536339Bendigo
Junortoun631641842188Bendigo
White Hills23063362877906Bendigo
Huntly20055851584412Bendigo
Long Gully5651655052815466Bendigo
Spring Gully11136051163767Bendigo
Ascot8533021345206Bendigo
Quarry Hill17474041496340Bendigo
East Bendigo280123841988757Bendigo
Jackass Flat12464961749115Bendigo
Ironbark114974412210427Bendigo
Sailors Gully263495202688Bendigo
West Bendigo4612299369626Bendigo
Big Hill103663103663Bendigo
Golden Gully21100003717619Bendigo
Castlemaine54672525937876Castlemaine
Campbells Creek532551472262Castlemaine
Chewton182335162075Castlemaine
McKenzie Hill14182191170Castlemaine
Colac96210393102611085Colac
Elliminyt942895692125Colac
Colac East1911875127500Colac
Cowes61192815788780Cowes
Silverleaves41223154587Cowes
Highton55726856493129Geelong
Corio255316443245515812Geelong
Belmont1107736610106720Geelong
Grovedale85257137925310Geelong
Armstrong Creek29626284293809Geelong
Newtown58555934514312Geelong
Norlane239827662212024455Geelong
Geelong West66389816689049Geelong
Hamlyn Heights28443472904439Geelong
Mount Duneed14623702073360Geelong
Geelong286549542301252084Geelong
Bell Park46182593596431Geelong
Bell Post Hill30759963416660Geelong
Waurn Ponds28256992515073Geelong
St Albans Park18737961462964Geelong
Newcomb6531391152311142Geelong
East Geelong29272533238023Geelong
Whittington4761197544911296Geelong
Herne Hill21160221534366Geelong
North Geelong7752410663919876Geelong
Lovely Banks13950181515451Geelong
Manifold Heights14052551284805Geelong
Charlemont7930261284902Geelong
Marshall9641941014412Geelong
Wandana Heights381739683112Geelong
Moolap17194271508269Geelong
Thomson2611627236022444Geelong
Fyansford927629978043Geelong
Breakwater1331272712511962Geelong
South Geelong5155078927226824Geelong
Rippleside86854910710636Geelong
Drumcondra7512953488290Geelong
North Shore972984613240615Geelong
Gisborne58858033713661Gisborne
New Gisborne1174674983915Gisborne
Healesville39351704225551Healesville
Badger Creek563500553438Healesville
Heathcote27493172287752Heathcote
Horsham217514380216114288Horsham
Haven392710372571Horsham
Lakes Entrance9731900093418239Lakes Entrance
Kalimna11786991118253Lakes Entrance
Lake Bunga71728122963Lakes Entrance
Macedon11455101426863Macedon
Mount Macedon785376382619Macedon
Harkness70256175834665Melton
Melton South159914078123810900Melton
Brookfield57152954944581Melton
Kurunjang66762265324966Melton
Melton West10291171788410066Melton
Melton218927376197324675Melton
Weir Views28565464169554Melton
Strathtulloh28270202576398Melton
Cobblebank18049992396637Melton
Thornhill Park24479842879391Melton
Mirboo North8738501948584Mirboo North
Baromi2130763922Mirboo North
Paynesville24667562406592Paynesville
Portland128012799118411839Portland (Vic.)
Portland North344809233253Portland (Vic.)
Traralgon404715009342712710Traralgon
Traralgon East17699891066016Traralgon
Wangaratta271014085195110140Wangaratta
Waldara45982299Wangaratta
Warrnambool31511007028579131Warrnambool
Dennington914550723600Warrnambool
Wonthaggi7511440677314828Wonthaggi
North Wonthaggi16246752306638Wonthaggi
South Dudley44104275513033Wonthaggi

Note: This article doesn’t have detailed data for family violence, victims, female offenders, reoffending, sexual offences, stalking, and youth crime. For more information about these topics, check our resources page.

References

  • Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census QuickStats for all persons
  • Victoria Police

Greater Capital City Statistical Area

Greater Melbourne

State

Victoria