Police struggle with severe staffing shortages as citizens face daily insecurity.
Victoria is facing an unprecedented public safety crisis, with unsolved crimes soaring to nearly 300,000 in just 12 months—a record increase of 81,633 cases compared to last year. Nearly half of all reported crimes remain unresolved, leaving thousands of victims without justice and feeling abandoned by society.
The situation is exacerbated by a severe shortage of officers. Over 2,000 police are off duty, dozens of stations operate with reduced hours, and investigators are forced to manage more than double their standard caseload, limiting their ability to properly investigate crimes. More than 257,000 property and deception offenses remain unresolved, alongside 20,848 crimes against the person and two-thirds of residential burglaries.
Residents experience the impact daily. Charlotte Frajman, who owns a pharmacy in St Kilda, says: “Last year was the worst. A repeat offender comes into my store again and again, and the police rarely respond. These people never face consequences.”
Opposition leaders criticize the Jacinta Allan’s Labor government for failing to properly support Victoria Police. Brad Battin said: “Every unsolved crime is an open wound for victims and their families. Citizens are losing faith in the government’s ability to protect them.”
Despite government claims of tougher laws and victim support programs, the reality is stark: nearly 300,000 cases remain unresolved, leaving Victorians vulnerable in both bustling CBD streets and quiet suburban neighborhoods.
The surge in unsolved crimes includes theft, burglary, knife attacks, and violence against women and children, creating an atmosphere of fear. Urgent reinforcement of police resources and improved case management are critical, or Victoria risks falling deeper into a cycle of unsolved crimes.
