Youth crime in Victoria has soared to unprecedented levels, with the state government acknowledging an “unacceptable” surge in overall crime rates. According to the latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency, crime across Victoria has increased by 17% year-on-year.
Property crimes have been particularly rampant, with general theft, car theft, retail theft, and theft from vehicles emerging as the fastest-growing offences. Police Minister Anthony Carbines described the quarterly crime statistics as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that the issue stems from repeat offenders rather than an increase in the number of individuals committing crimes.
“The release of today’s quarterly crime statistics are, again, unacceptable outcomes, unacceptable results,” Carbines stated. “Our unique offender rate remains stable, indicating that it’s many of the same people committing additional offences driving our crime rate.”
Children at the Heart of Crime Surge
Youth crime has been identified as a significant contributor to the troubling statistics, with offences committed by children aged between 10 and 17 occurring every 20 minutes. This marks an almost 18% spike in youth crime, the highest level recorded since electronic records began in 1993.
Victoria Police has responded by arresting 3,300 of the state’s most notorious youth offenders over the past year, focusing on home burglaries, car thefts, and youth gang activities. Despite these efforts, youth crime continues to account for 13% of all offences, with young offenders being particularly involved in robberies, home invasions, and thefts.
Automobile Thefts Reach New Heights
Despite the introduction of Operation Trinity in March 2023, motor vehicle theft in Victoria has reached its highest levels since 2002, with a staggering 47.1% increase year-on-year. In over 20% of cases, vehicles were reported stolen without the keys being taken, highlighting the growing use of electronic devices to mimic or program keys.
Holdens, Toyotas, and Subarus equipped with push-start technology are among the most targeted vehicles. In response, police are urging car owners to adopt preventative measures, such as installing an on-board diagnostic port lock to deter thieves.
Stolen vehicles have been involved in more than 760 crashes across the state, resulting in six fatalities.
Record Highs in Family Violence
Family violence incidents have also reached record highs, with a 10.7% increase reported. Victoria Police now responds to a domestic violence incident every five minutes. Breaches of family violence orders have surged by approximately 18%, often involving offenders using mobile phones and social media to target victims.
Last year, Victoria Police arrested 8,435 family violence offenders on 15,557 occasions. Opposition Leader Brad Battin expressed concern over the statistics, stating that they are “breaking records we don’t want to see broken.”
“The figures we’re seeing today are scary,” Battin said. “We are seeing aggravated burglaries increase 30% year on year. That is a figure that sends shivers down my spine.”
Government’s Response and Future Measures
The Victorian government is set to introduce further bail reforms following the parliament’s winter break in late July. The reforms will target “high harm” crimes such as aggravated burglary, carjackings, and home invasions. Carbines noted that the new legislation would make it extremely difficult for offenders to obtain bail.
This development follows the passing of laws earlier this year aimed at making it harder for offenders to secure bail. Premier Jacinta Allan announced a surprise review into bail laws earlier this year, prompted by the concerning rise in youth crime rates.
Offenders remanded in custody have increased by 100% among youths and 31% among adults since the introduction of the new bail laws, according to Carbines. “That’s a demonstration that our new tough bail laws are working,” he said.
As Victoria grapples with these alarming crime rates, the government and law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to implement effective strategies to curb the trend and ensure public safety.
