During a recent 12-month span, over 640,000 criminal offenses were recorded statewide, marking the highest crime rate witnessed in at least a decade, as revealed by the latest quarterly report from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).
This surge reflects a 10.8 percent rise in criminal activity compared to the previous year.
The data highlights retail theft, motor vehicle theft, and theft from vehicles as the primary contributors to this increase in crime.
In addition, more than 235,000 residents of Victoria fell victim to crimes this year, indicating a 10 percent rise from the previous year.
“The sheer number of victims in our state is alarming,” Hill commented.
“The frustration is palpable. Having 235,000 victims is 235,000 too many.”
Youth crime remains a blaring issue across the state, according to the data.
Shockingly, child offenders accounted for more than 62 per cent of robberies, 60 per cent of carjackings, 54 per cent of home invasions and almost half of all aggravated burglaries.
A group of almost 1200 children were arrested nearly 7100 times across the year.
“That particular group drives some of the crime types that cause significant harm in the community,” Hill said.
Tougher bail laws implemented earlier in the year seem to be showing early results, Hill said.
“In particular, child offenders, the data would indicate that there’s been a 70 per cent increase in the number of child offenders being remanded in custody, waiting for their matter to be heard before the courts,” Hill said.
More than 33,000 cars have been stolen in Victoria in the 12 months to September.
“During that reporting period, we know that one in four cars is being stolen by offenders using technology to override the security systems of the motor vehicle,” Hill said.
Instances of family violence exceeded 105,000, with 60 per cent of incidents relating to the breach of an intervention order.
“Those breaches, the large majority of them involve the use of technology when ex-partners or partners are using their phones, whether it be text messages or on social media, where they’re making contact with the victims,” Hill said.
Victoria Police has arrested almost 78,000 people during the reporting period, which is equivalent to 213 each day.
“Whilst the stats are alarming and remain unacceptable, Victoria Police, certainly our members doing a sterling job to hold people to account,” he said.
“Victoria Police is committed to reducing crime in this state. Victoria Police is here for all Victorians.
More than 16,000 knives have been seized by police this year.
