Sunbury residents are rallying in a push for greater police visibility and resources, amid growing concerns over a rise in local crime.
An online petition addressed to local MP Josh Bull, Hume City Council, and Victoria Police has already attracted more than 700 supporters wanting immediate action to address what many are calling a “crime wave”.
The petition calls for:
- Increased police patrols throughout Sunbury
- More resources for crime prevention and investigation
- Regular community updates and engagement from Victoria Police
The petition, which aims to gather more than 1,000 signatures, highlights alarming statistics from 2024 showing Sunbury recorded 1,909 criminal offences – including 711 thefts and 155 burglaries. Residents and business owners say they no longer feel safe.
“Recently, a group of thieves spent nearly two hours targeting several local shops without interruption,” one concerned local wrote in support of the petition. “That’s not just a crime, it’s a sign we’ve been left behind.”
Despite the Victorian Government’s $4.5bn allocation to Victoria Police for the 2024–25 financial year, residents argue that Sunbury seems to be missing out.
Sunbury, now home to an estimated 45,000 people, has seen significant population growth – but many say the expansion hasn’t been matched by investment in safety and security services.
See our special report on Ambulance Victoria in Sunbury.
A hot-button issue remains the night-time closure of the Sunbury Police Station, it closes at 11pm.
“The decision to close the station at night was appalling,” one resident wrote. “With the population booming and incidents rising, we need 24/7 policing more than ever.”
Another petitioner said: “The rise in crime has reached an unrecognisable point. The community feels forgotten, and it’s time for real action.”
As signatures grow and voices get louder, residents are hoping their calls won’t go unheard by those in power.
“This is not just about numbers on a page. It’s about people feeling safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their community,” said a petition supporter.
Last week vandals damaged Bulla Hill Miniature Railway.
