Victoria’s crime rate has increased again – by 13.8% – with theft the biggest driver.

The Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday released data showing 638,640 criminal offences were recorded in Victoria in the 2024-25 financial year – an increase of 86,587 offences or 15.7%. When adjusted for population, the crime rate per 100,000 people was 8,998.9, marking a 13.8% rise.

It is marginally smaller than the increase recorded in the previous quarter of 15.2% but Victoria police’s deputy commissioner for regional operations, Bob Hill, said it was still unacceptably high.

“As a society, we simply cannot allow the level of crime we are seeing to become normalised and accepted – every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their home, within the community and on the roads,” Hill said.

“Victoria

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