Victoria's Crime Rate Soars, Driven by Record Youth Offending

New data shows youth crime at its highest since 1993, with repeat offenders fueling a 13.2% rise in overall crime in 2024.

Victoria's overall crime rate increased by 13.2% in 2024, reaching its highest level since 2016, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
Youth crime has surged to record levels, with repeat offenders aged 14-17 responsible for a sharp rise in aggravated burglaries and car thefts.
Victoria Police arrested 3400 youth offenders in 2024, with some individuals arrested multiple times as part of targeted operations like Operation Alliance.
Economic pressures are contributing to rising crime, with theft and family violence incidents hitting record highs, including police responding to a family violence incident every five minutes.
The Allan Labor Government's new bail laws, including a machete ban and expanded police powers, are being debated in parliament, aiming to address youth offending and restore public safety.