Safety Ratings of Suburbs Near Brighton: Where Is the Risk Higher?
Living in the Bayside area offers a premium lifestyle, but crime doesn’t stop at the postcode boundary. We analyze the latest stats for Brighton, Hampton, Elwood, and St Kilda.
For many Melburnians, the “Bayside Bubble” feels like a safe haven. Leafy streets, expensive cars, and proximity to the beach create a sense of security. However, recent data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria paints a more complex picture.
Residential burglaries across Victoria have risen by nearly 14% in the last year alone. But the risk isn’t spread evenly. While some streets remain quiet, neighboring suburbs are seeing a spike in “aggravated burglaries”—where intruders enter while residents are home.
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“Wealth attracts opportunity. High-value suburbs like Brighton are often targeted specifically for luxury vehicles and jewelry.”
In this report, we break down the safety ratings of Brighton and its immediate neighbors to help you understand where the real risks lie.
Brighton (3186): The High-Value Target
Brighton remains one of Melbourne’s most prestigious postcodes, but this status makes it a magnet for professional thieves.
The Stats
In the year ending March 2025, Brighton recorded 78 home invasions. While this number might seem low for a large suburb, the nature of these crimes is concerning. A significant portion were “aggravated,” meaning the offenders knew people were home.
The Risk Profile
Thieves in Brighton are typically looking for keys to high-performance cars (Mercedes, BMW, Audi). They are bold, fast, and often work in groups. Standard locks are rarely enough; active deterrence (cameras with sirens) is becoming essential.
The Neighbors: Hampton, Elwood & St Kilda
Moving just a few kilometers up or down the coast changes the risk profile significantly.
Hampton (3188)
Hampton has seen a 10.1% increase in break-ins recently, with 115 incidents reported in the last year. It is often seen as a “softer” target than Brighton, with slightly less security infrastructure on average homes.
Elwood (3184)
Elwood is a hotspot, with 110 burglaries and a 12.9% increase in the break-in rate. Its mix of apartments and family homes, combined with high foot traffic from the beach and canal, provides more cover for opportunistic thieves.
St Kilda (3182)
St Kilda historically has higher crime rates due to its nightlife and transient population. The break-in rate here is significantly higher than the Victorian average (over 1,600 incidents per 100,000 residents). If you live on the border of St Kilda and Elwood, your security needs to be robust.
Suburbs at a Glance (2024-2025 Data)
| Suburb | Burglary Trend | Primary Risk Factor | Recommended Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | Stable but Aggravated | Targeted Car Theft | Perimeter Alarms + CCTV |
| Hampton | Rising (↑10%) | Opportunistic Break-ins | Visible Cameras |
| Elwood | Rising (↑13%) | High Foot Traffic | Intercoms + Deadlocks |
| St Kilda | High Volume | Nightlife / Density | Full Access Control |
The “Ripple Effect” of Crime
High Activity Zone
- St Kilda
- Elwood (North)
- Risk: Frequent opportunistic theft
Targeted Zone
- Brighton
- Hampton
- Risk: Planned, high-value theft
The Verdict: No Suburb is Immune
The data shows that you cannot rely on your postcode to protect you. Whether you are in St Kilda or Brighton, the threat is real, but it manifests differently.
In Brighton, you need to protect your car keys and secure your perimeter to stop them before they get to the door. In Elwood and Hampton, visible deterrence like a flashing siren or a camera at the gate is often enough to make an opportunist keep walking.
What Can You Do?
Don’t wait to be a statistic. A modern Ajax Alarm System combined with Dahua TiOC Cameras (Active Deterrence) is the gold standard for Bayside homes. It warns intruders off with lights and sound before they break a window.
Security is about peace of mind. Knowing your home is safe allows you to enjoy the lifestyle you worked hard for.
Worried about your suburb? Contact Sipko Security. We know the local risks and can design a system that fits your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brighton safer than Toorak?
Statistically, both suburbs face similar risks regarding aggravated burglary for luxury cars. However, Toorak often has higher walls and more private security patrols, whereas Brighton’s open, beachside nature can sometimes make access easier for thieves.
Do cameras actually stop burglars?
Yes. Police data consistently shows that homes with visible security cameras are less likely to be targeted than those without. Thieves prefer the path of least resistance.
What is an “Aggravated Burglary”?
This is the legal term for a burglary committed while a person is present in the building. It is treated much more seriously by the courts and is the primary fear for most homeowners.
Official Government Sources & References
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Crime Statistics Agency Victoria
The official body responsible for processing and publishing crime statistics for the state of Victoria.
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Victoria Police – Home Safety
Official advice and resources from Victoria Police on how to secure your home and prevent burglary.
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Bayside City Council – Community Safety
Local government initiatives and information regarding safety and crime prevention in the Bayside area.
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City of Port Phillip – Community Safety
Information on safety programs and crime prevention strategies for residents of St Kilda and Elwood.
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Australian Bureau of Statistics – Crime
National data on crime and justice, providing a broader context for local crime trends.
