Spike in Car Thefts and Youth Offenders Pushes Victoria's Crime Rate to Its Highest in Nearly a Decade
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Synopsis
In 2024, Victoria's crime rate surged 13.2% to its highest since 2016, driven by thefts, particularly car thefts involving youth offenders. This alarming trend has prompted calls for new bail laws and increased crime prevention measures.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria's crime rate has risen by 13.2% in 2024.
- The increase in property crimes is 21.9%, largely due to thefts.
- Youth offenders are heavily involved in car thefts.
- Calls for better crime prevention measures are being made.
- The government is considering new bail laws.
Sydney, March 20 (NationPress) The crime rate in Victoria, Australia, experienced a dramatic increase of 13.2 percent in 2024, reaching levels not seen since 2016.
The most recent figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) on Thursday reveal that the most significant rise came in property and deception crimes, which soared by 21.9 percent, primarily due to a surge in thefts.
According to CSA Chief Statistician Fiona Dowsley, "The incidence of theft crimes reported per 100,000 Victorians has surpassed previous highs, spurred by unprecedented numbers of thefts from motor vehicles, retail stores, and motor vehicle thefts documented by Victoria Police in 2024."
Dowsley emphasized that theft offenses have hit historic levels, with young offenders heavily involved in car thefts, while adult offenders in their 30s are often linked to rising shoplifting incidents due to cost-of-living pressures.
Bob Hill, Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police Regional Operations, termed the escalating crime rate "unacceptable," underlining its impact on victims, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Hill pointed out that the use of electronic devices to break into vehicles has fueled the rise in car thefts, urging vehicle owners to implement "affordable and straightforward crime prevention strategies."
The government of Victoria is advocating for new bail regulations in response to crimes committed by both adults and young offenders who are out on bail, according to the Xinhua news agency.
As reported by ABC, "Youth gang members, child car thieves, and underage burglars were apprehended 3,400 times last year as part of Operation Alliance and Operation Trinity," stated Hill.
Data from Victoria Police indicates that a group of young offenders, aged 14 to 17, accounted for a considerable number of aggravated home burglaries, with the top 20 offenders committing 302 such crimes last year, nearly 20 percent of all similar offenses in Melbourne.
