New crime data from the Crime Statistics Agency for the year ending September 2025 has identified Lakes Entrance as the second-most active region for law enforcement in East Gippsland, with total reported offences reaching 1317 for the year.
The coastal hub is grappling with a significant rise in property-related crime.
According to the report, property and deception offences were the most common criminal activity in the town, totalling 373 recorded cases.
This includes a high volume of theft (178 cases) and property damage.
Perhaps the most startling figure for the local community is the prevalence of family-related legal violations.
Lakes Entrance recorded 315 breaches of family violence orders — a figure that underscores a growing crisis in domestic safety.
These justice procedures offences have become a primary focus for local police, ranking nearly as high as property crime.
Crimes against the person also remain a concern, with 182 reported cases of assault and related offences.
Local authorities noted that while the high visitor numbers during peak seasons can impact these statistics, the consistent level of residential crime suggests deeper social issues.
