Volume of Criminal Incidents in Victoria Surges 20 Percent in 12 Months: Report

Theft was up 39 percent, and car crime was up 47 percent.

Machetes on display during an announcement at Victoria Police Headquarters in Melbourne, Australia on March 13, 2025. AAP Image/James Ross

Victoria is in the grip of its worst crime surge in decades, with new figures showing criminal incidents soaring to record highs.

In the 12 months to March 31, 2025, Victoria Police recorded 474,937 criminal incidents—up 20.1 percent from the previous year—while total offences jumped 17.1 percent to 627,268. When adjusted for population growth, the crime rate rose 15.2 percent.