Just About St Kilda: Now:

COMMUNITY SAFETY.

In a nutshell: Recent statistics indicate a rise in crime rates in Victoria, linked to the cost of living. In the City of Port Phillip, theft comprises 43% of total victim reports. To effectively combat theft, understanding its root causes—such as socioeconomic disparities, substance abuse, and mental health—is crucial. While community safety can be enhanced through increased police visibility and engagement, experts argue that addressing underlying social factors is more effective in the long term. A balanced approach, combining community participation with strategic law enforcement, emphasises education and open dialogue to counter the belief that more policing directly correlates with reduced crime.

Data collection for statistical purposes are intended to allow researchers to draw informed and unbiased analyses and meaningful conclusions about a population based on the collected data. These must never be used to incite a moral panic for political gain or scapegoating.

Why do inequality and deprivation produce high crime and low trust? | Scientific Reports | Benoît De Courson, Daniel Nettle (January 2021)

“Humans are often described as an unusually cooperative or ‘ultrasocial’ species. The truth is more complex: humans from the same society can cooperate for mutual benefit; or they can simply co-exist; or they can actively exploit one another, as in, for example, crime. A theory of human sociality should ideally predict what mix of these alternatives will emerge under which circumstances. Comparing across industrialised societies, higher inequality—greater dispersion in the distribution of economic resources across individuals—is associated with higher crime and lower social trust.”–Benoît De Courson, Daniel Nettle

Thefts linked to cost-of-living drive rise in Victoria’s crime rates, statistics agency data shows | ABC News | Madi Chwasta (December 2024)

Latest crime data by area | Crime Statistics (access the live data through the link)

In the City of Port Phillip, Theft accounts for 43% of total victim reports.

Why do people steal? And why is theft so prevalent in one of Melbourne’s more affluent local government areas? In particular, why is stealing from motor vehicles so rampant?

How does retail theft from major supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths compare to theft from other retail outlets? What items are stolen most often?

Do people steal out of necessity (food) or envy (fast cars)? For status (fashion)? For pleasure (just for fun)? Or for a fix? What goods are being traded at cash converters?

A deeper level of granularity will provide the necessary insights into the key drivers of theft, helping to identify the most effective—and cost-effective—strategies to curb it.

How can theft be avoided? Neighbourhood Watch Victoria recommends we do our part:

Tips To Avoid Theft

Neighbourhood Policing: Local police are more visible and accessible to their community, and work in partnership with others to address safety concerns. Is this necessarily a good thing?

“Law enforcement visibility can refer to the deliberate increase of police presence in a community, to reduce crime, improve public safety, and increase public confidence.

“Some say that increasing police visibility can increase the number of people caught for some types of crime, but it may not be a long-term or cost-effective crime reduction solution. Others say that the new high-visibility status of police work undermines public trust and challenges police legitimacy.”—Gen.AI+

“Law enforcement officers are responsible for protecting the public and preventing illegal acts, but they also have the authority to arrest people. Police can arrest someone if:
–The person is committing a traffic offense and refuses to give their name and address;
–They have a warrant for the person’s arrest;
–They reasonably suspect the person has committed an offense;
–They find the person committing an offense;
–The person has breached bail conditions; or
–The person is trying to escape from custody.”—Gen.AI+

Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials | United Nations Human Rights (1979)

The harms of criminalising public drunkenness | 360edge

“As is often the case with criminal laws that target alcohol and other drug use, these measures disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable in the community.

“Public drunkenness is a relatively common sight on any Friday and Saturday night, but it is commonly only viewed as a disturbance outside socially accepted times and places. This means public drunkenness laws are most often targeted towards alcohol dependent people, who may be drinking during the day or at socially inappropriate locations.

“Many people intercepted for public drunkenness have experiences of homelessness, mental health issues, disability, violence or trauma. For some people who are socially isolated, drinking in public gives a sense of social connection or can be seen as a tool to cope with challenging life circumstances.

“It is widely acknowledged that criminal laws against public drunkenness disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Decriminalisation of public drunkenness in Victoria | Alcohol & Drug Foundation

“Alcohol use is a public health issue, not a criminal justice issue.”

“It is no longer a criminal offence in Victoria to be intoxicated (affected by alcohol) in public. Police cannot arrest, detain or fine you for this offence. They still have powers to arrest and detain you for other public order offences.”

[Public order offences include disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly, homelessness, prostitution, and drug and alcohol offences.]

Types and causes of crime in urban areas:
1. Crime against property, such as theft, arson, vandalism, smuggling, or fraud
2. Crime against the person, such as murder, manslaughter, assault, or battery
3. Crimes against authority, such as rioting, sabotage, or treason

Crime in urban areas can be caused by a number of factors, including economic inequality, social factors, and population density.

Economic inequality
1. Economic disparities are more pronounced in urban areas.
2. Low socioeconomic standing, such as low income or poverty, is linked to a higher likelihood of incarceration. 

Social factors 
3. Anonymity in cities can reduce social control and increase the likelihood of deviant behaviour.
4. Rural areas have stronger social bonds and informal social control mechanisms.

Population density
5. More people in a given area increases the likelihood of criminal activity.
6. In densely populated areas, there are more opportunities for criminal encounters. 

Other factors
7. Unemployment is sometimes associated with crime, but the relationship is not always clear. 
8. Limited law enforcement resources in rural areas may affect crime reporting and response times. 

Does increased surveillance in urban areas deter crime effectively? | Sam Wilks (June 2024)

“While increased surveillance in urban areas can contribute to the deterrence of crime, it is not a panacea. Its success depends heavily on the context in which it is used and the manner of its implementation. A holistic approach, which addresses the underlying social and economic causes of crime and involves community participation, is crucial. Only then can surveillance be a useful tool in the broader repertoire of urban crime prevention strategies. Thus, as cities continue to grow and evolve, so too must our strategies for maintaining law and order, always mindful of the fine balance between securing our streets and safeguarding our freedoms.”—Sam Wilks

Crime Rate in Melbourne, Australia | Numbeo

In 2024, Melbourne was not listed among the most dangerous cities in the world. The list contained 333 entries.

Is our local area, the City Of Port Phillip, unsafe (=dangerous) or are there specific pockets that feel or look unpleasant, intimidating or ugly, or all that? Factors like poor lighting, visible neglect, or groups of people whose appearance or behaviour may seem unsettling—whether or not they pose an actual threat—can contribute to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or unease.

Do reckless driving, in particular rat racing and hooning, or homelessness and public drunkenness, or occupying public spaces and some littering and some pissing in your garden, lead us to unfairly associate all bad drivers, bikies, petrolheads, rough sleepers and drunks with danger?

Addressing the growing public perception that “crime is rampant in our neighbourhood” and that “more policing means less crime, safer communities and greater feelings of safety” requires a mix of education, transparency, and evidence-based policy discussions.

Some key approaches:

1. Public Education on Crime Prevention

Inform the public that while police presence can deter certain crimes, addressing root causes (poverty, mental health, substance abuse) is equally, if not more, important for long-term safety. Public campaigns and community forums can help shift the focus from just enforcement to prevention.

2. Data-Driven Crime Reporting

Share crime statistics and research showing the complexities of crime reduction. Highlight studies demonstrating that social programs, improved urban planning, and community policing can be just as effective as increased police numbers.

3. Community Engagement and Transparency

Encourage dialogue between police and communities to clarify what actually improves safety. When people see that proactive engagement, mental health interventions, and rehabilitation programs reduce crime, they may rethink the assumption that more officers automatically mean safer streets.

4. Balanced Policing Approach

Showcase successful models where a mix of community-based policing and strategic enforcement has improved safety, rather than simply adding more officers. This can include examples from both local and international contexts.

5. Media and Political Discourse

Challenge simplistic narratives in media and politics that equate more police with less crime. Encourage leaders and journalists to focus on nuanced discussions about crime trends, policing strategies, and social interventions.

While an increased police presence and surveillance can contribute to crime prevention, the root causes of crime—such as socio-economic factors, education, and mental health—often lie beyond law enforcement’s direct control. The idea that harsher policing automatically reduces crime is indeed contested, and Victoria Police’s softer approach at public spaces seems to have fostered a more cooperative relationship with the community.

Nonetheless, while a softer policing strategy helps build public trust and improve community relations, it may not always be effective in dealing with more serious or violent crimes. Certain situations may require a firmer response to maintain order and safety. Additionally, relying too much on public goodwill without addressing systemic issues—such as repeat offending, organised crime, disinformation and radicalisation, or the limitations of surveillance—could undermine long-term crime prevention efforts.

A targeted approach in policing, combining community engagement with strategic enforcement, can help maintain public trust while ensuring effective crime prevention. This could mean a visible but approachable police presence at public spaces while deploying more assertive tactics when dealing with serious crime (e.g. hooning), gangs, or repeat offenders (e.g. domestic violence).

“The Catani Archway was conceived by Carlo Catani, as part of broader St. Kilda Foreshore reclamation and beautification works between 1890 and 1916.

“The engineering firm of Monash & Anderson undertook this project, constructed in the Monier method of reinforced concrete and commenced construction in April of 1916. It was completed around the time of the World War One battle of Pozieres, where Catani’s son, Enrico, and so many soldiers fell. Consequently, it was to sadly draw the appellation Bridge of Sighs for the 23,000 casualties, of whom 6,800 were killed or died of wounds. About this time, it was also proudly dubbed, Bridge of Honour.“—Victorian Collections Online

PLACE. FORESHORE. St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

“St Kilda Pier dates back to the mid 1800’s as an early working jetty. The breakwater was later constructed for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, as a safe harbour for sailing events. You may notice the start tower at the end of the Breakwater, still in use to this day.

“The St Kilda Ferry departs from St Kilda Pier at the lower-landing near the start of the pier. The popular ferry travels between St Kilda Pier, Gem Pier in Williamstown, and Station Pier in Port Melbourne. Bookings are recommended. The ferry timetable can be found at www.stkildaferry.com.au“—Parks Victoria Online

PLACE. St Kilda Pier Kiosk

“It’s one of the first ‘temperance hotels’, created in 1883 by extensively rebuilding something that had been built as an ‘assembly room’ in 1871, then became a roller skating rink in 1874. The rebuild was designed by #HendersonandSmart (who later joined with Joseph Reed). It had 37 rooms and a dining room ‘in Corinthian style’ (parts still visible), a billiard room and a ladies salon. The top floor was added in 1888, hence the ‘broken pediment’ at first floor level. Apparently it also closed in 1888, so clearly couldn’t compete with the George Hotel virtually next door and much more prominent.”—Storey Of Melbourne Online

“A coffee palace was a residential hotel that did not serve alcohol. Most were built in the late 19th century in response to the temperance movement and were popular with families. St Kilda Coffee Palace was built in 1870s and operated until 1888. Currently a Backpackers Hostel.”—Victorian Collections

Australia GDP? $1.747 trillion | World Economics