news
Bundoora Council Addresses Rising Crime Rates, Announces Safety Actions
With crime rates rising slightly, Bundoora’s council and residents brace for priority actions on public safety and resource allocation.
How we reported this
Bundoora’s City Council will convene a special session next week to discuss the latest community safety report which reveals a 7% uptick in reported incidents over the past year. The report, released on July 10th, underscores a pressing need for strategic decisions on policing, urban design, and community engagement programs.
Why Now: Safety Concerns Mount in Key Neighbourhoods
This moment demands attention. Recent data from the Victoria Police’s Northern Division highlight a spike in property crime and anti-social behaviour specifically around the Plenty Road corridor and the residential area near RMIT University’s Bundoora campus. The timing coincides with the council’s planned budget review for the 2027 fiscal year, necessitating prompt action.
The rise in incidents, including a 15% increase in vehicle break-ins reported at Bundoora Square Shopping Centre parking lots, has unsettled residents and business owners alike. The ‘Safe Streets Bundoora’ program, initiated in 2023, is under scrutiny as the council weighs its effectiveness amid these new statistics.
Local Impact and Evidence Driving Decisions
Local groups including the Bundoora Neighbourhood Watch and the RMIT Student Union have voiced calls for increased CCTV coverage and more foot patrol officers. Currently, only 12 public CCTV units operate within the entire suburb, covering high-traffic zones like Kingsbury Drive and Plenty Road, leaving less frequented residential pockets vulnerable.
The community safety report draws from police incident logs, council surveys with over 1,500 residents, and direct crime analytics from January 2025 through June 2026. Notably, the report flags a budget gap, an additional $1.2 million is needed to extend camera installations and fund an expanded community policing team next year.
Furthermore, urban planning considerations are on the table. Areas around the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary are being studied for improved lighting and redesigned pedestrian pathways to enhance nighttime safety for walkers and runners.
What Happens Next: Key Decisions and Advice for Residents
The City Council’s July 19 meeting will determine funding allocations for the 2027 safety initiatives. Stakeholders expect debates on whether to prioritize technological solutions, such as expanding CCTV, or increasing human presence through hiring more officers in the Bundoora Police Station, located on Spring Street.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting at the Bundoora Civic Centre, 28 Childs Road, or submit written input online by July 17. Meanwhile, local businesses are advised to review their security measures and participate in upcoming community forums hosted by the Bundoora Traders Association starting August 3.
Ongoing engagement with community policing programs and neighbourhood watch remains vital. The council has also announced a new pilot scheme to introduce ‘Safe Zone’ signage across high-risk blocks, aiming to deter crime while improving community confidence.
In the weeks ahead, how Bundoora balances resources and strategy will shape the suburb’s safety trajectory well into the future.