The latest criminal incident reports for East Gippsland from the Crime Statistics Agency have highlighted a sharp upward trend in Orbost, which now ranks as the third-highest area for criminal activity in the shire.
For the year ending September 2025, Orbost recorded 450 total criminal incidents.
The data shows that “Justice Procedures” offences – primarily the breach of court and police orders – have become the town’s most frequent crime type, with 151 recorded cases.
Close behind are property and deception offences (146 cases), which include 54 counts of theft and 53 instances of property damage.
These figures suggest
a rise in opportunistic crime and vandalism within the township and surrounding district.
Public safety remains a priority as crimes against the person, including
61 reported assaults, reached a total of 106 cases for the year.
While Orbost remains significantly smaller in population than Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance, its crime rate per capita is now one of the highest in the region.
Local business owners recently met with Victoria Police to discuss proactive security measures.
Police emphasised the importance of reporting all non-emergency incidents via the 131 444 number to ensure resources are properly allocated to the Snowy River region.
