Crime in Victoria continues to climb, with new figures confirming a sharp rise in theft-related offences and a worrying increase in family violence, despite intensified efforts by the state government and police to curb criminal activity.
According to the latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), the rate of recorded criminal offences across Victoria increased by nine per cent in the 12 months to September 30, while the total number of offences rose by 10.8 per cent. The figures confirm that criminal activity in the state remains at its highest level since records began 20 years ago.
The most significant driver of the increase was theft, with more than 37,000 additional incidents recorded over the past year. Overall, theft offences surged by 24.4 per cent, with shop theft emerging as the primary contributor. Stealing from retail stores alone rose by 28.5 per cent, reflecting growing pressure on businesses and mounting concerns about organised retail crime and opportunistic offending.
The new data follows earlier figures released in September that already showed Victoria had recorded its highest-ever number of criminal incidents. Rather than stabilising, the trend has continued upward, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing authorities.
In response to rising crime, the Allan government moved earlier this year to tighten bail laws, with a particular focus on serious and repeat youth offenders. In March, legislative changes were introduced to make it harder for high-risk offenders to secure bail, amid public concern over violent reoffending.
The government has also moved to address knife-related violence, introducing a statewide ban on machetes that came into effect at the start of September. These figures are the first crime statistics released since the machete ban was implemented.
Victoria Police said while the data did not yet include updated knife crime figures, officers had seized more than 16,000 edged weapons over the past year. Hundreds of machetes and knives were also surrendered during a state-wide amnesty period that concluded at the end of November.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations Bob Hill said police were committed to reversing the crime trend and protecting the community.
“Victoria Police is determined to reduce the crime levels in this state — we are here for all Victorians,” he said.
“Far too many innocent people are being impacted by crime, with many suffering from ongoing physical, psychological or financial harm.”
Deputy Commissioner Hill said police had arrested more than 3,000 of Victoria’s most serious youth offenders in the past year, recorded unprecedented levels of family violence enforcement, and removed thousands of dangerous weapons from circulation.
Family violence remains a major concern, with CSA figures showing family incidents rose by 3.2 per cent over the past 12 months. More than 105,000 family violence incidents were recorded across Victoria during the reporting period.
CSA Chief Statistician Fiona Dowsley said the number of serious family violence assaults had reached its highest level since 2016. She noted that a key contributor to the increase was the introduction of a new criminal offence covering choking, strangulation or suffocation of a family member, which came into force in October 2024.
Authorities say the data highlights the complexity of crime trends in Victoria and the need for sustained enforcement, prevention and support measures, particularly in relation to youth offending, retail crime and family violence.
