Crime across Victoria has jumped to “unacceptable” levels, propelled by soaring rates of theft and repeat youth offenders.

New data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday shows that recorded offences in the state have increased by more than 15 per cent in the year ending June 30, an increase of 86,587 offences.

A security guard confronts a man for stealing at Coles Prahran. Credit: Joe Armao

The five fastest growing crimes are dominated by theft: stealing from cars, theft of cars, shoplifting and broader robbery offences. The fifth-highest crime was family violence.

Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill promised police were working on new approaches to deter crime and said they had set an ambitious target to reduce serious and violent crime by 5 per cent each year.

“As a socie

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