Residents in regional Victoria hire security patrols over crime fears (opens original article in a new tab)

Residents in regional Victoria hire security patrols amid rising crime fears, with private companies offering night-time patrols to deter crime while emphasizing they do not replace police services. The Victorian government's data shows a significant increase in Ballarat's crime rates, prompting community-driven security measures.

• Private security company starts night-time patrols in Ballarat due to rising crime concerns
• Victorian government data shows 11.7% increase in Ballarat's crime incidents over 12 months to March 2026
• Security patrols aim to deter crime but not replace police operations