General News
24 February, 2026
A call for Crime Stoppers
ARARAT Police are encouraging local residents to make greater use of Crime Stoppers, saying timely information from the public can significantly improve police response and investigations.
Sergeant Shane Allgood said he along with other members frequently are approached by members of the public while off duty wanting to pass on information.
“The local community is the eyes and ears of the district,” he said, noting that residents often hold valuable information that can make a real difference.
“It’s really valuable, but we’d prefer to get it when it’s fresh as opposed to when people are waiting for a chance meeting to relay it.”
“I really want to spruik the Crime Stoppers reporting process. I’ve actually used it myself just to see how easy it is, and it is very easy and very quick,” he said.
With people able to report crime by phone or online, the reporting system allows people to remain anonymous and control how much information they share.
For those who feel they have too much information to submit online, Sergeant Allgood said they are welcome to attend the station in person.
He also encouraged residents to trust their instincts if they see something suspicious, adding that information leading to an arrest, charges or indictment may be eligible for a reward.
“If you see something, say something. Don’t assume police already have the information. All information is valuable. Your information may be the piece in the puzzle that brings it all together.”
Sergeant Allgood said that the push for more calls to Crime Stoppers includes even seemingly innocuous crimes.
“If you’re aware that this person doesn’t have a licence and you see them driving every day, let us know.”
With drug use continuing to drive much of the crime seen locally, tips about suspicious behaviour are vital as they are usually part of a larger issue.
He noted that just last week two vehicles were damaged and items stolen at Chalambar Golf Course.
“Ararat always has, as most towns, a steady drug problem. We see a lot of cars stolen.”
Nationally as of 2025, Crime Stoppers has received more than 1.69 million pieces of information from the community, resulting in over 30,717 arrests and the recovery of more than $476 million worth of drugs, property and cash.
Sergeant Allgood explained that while some reports may not result in an immediate visible response, every report builds over time.
“People don’t always see an immediate response, but rest assured we are building the foundations to get enough information together to do the job properly.
“It might build a case three or four years down the track, to get information past a magistrate to get us a warrant, or to put all those pieces of the puzzle together and go and find the offender and deal with it.”
With the Ararat region seeing a 8.9% increase in criminal incidents in 2025, police are asking locals to help where they can.
“I’ve been at the Ararat Police Station for 20 years and I’ve seen a massive increase in how busy we are,” he said.
“We want to know what’s going on out there. The more time effective we can be the better.”
He said delays in reporting can reduce the likelihood of immediate action.
“If we had that (piece of information) last week we probably could have done something with it straight away, so no information is too trivial for us to take on, that’s for sure,” he said.
Crime Stoppers can be contacted on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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