Theft Drives Biggest Jump in Victoria Crime Rate in 20 Years

Victoria’s crime rate has jumped faster than anywhere else in Australia, far outpacing other states.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan during a tour of the West Gate Tunnel construction at Footscray, in Melbourne, Australia, on July 7, 2025. AAP Image/Con Chronis

Victoria’s crime rate has jumped sharply in the past year, with new data showing the state recording its highest number of offences since records began in 2004-05.

Figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) reveal offences rising 15.7 percent to 638,640, equating to 13.8 percent to nearly 9,000 offences per 100,000 people.