The Crime Statistics Agency’s 2024-25 crime statistics revealed that Victoria saw a record high of 483,000 criminal incidents over the financial year.
Victoria Police also reported that just 5,400 repeat offenders accounted for 40% of the state’s total crime.
Car theft is one area where crime has surged in Victoria. In 2024-25, the number of cars reported stolen to insurers rose by 59%.
Victorian Metro led the nation in car theft, reporting more than three times as many vehicles to insurers as Metro New South Wales.
A new report from the Herald-Sun notes that armed carjackings in Victoria have almost doubled in a year, with new crime statistics showing a sharp escalation in violent vehicle thefts—much of it driven by youth offenders and gang‑linked groups.
There were 256 armed carjackings/attempts in the year to September 2025, up from 135 the year prior. Aggravated carjackings involving weapons rose from 106 to 190.
Rideshare and food‑delivery drivers were common targets.
Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations, Bob Hill, told the Herald-Sun: “We absolutely understand how terrifying these crimes are”.
“The trauma and impact on people’s sense of safety is long-lasting”, he said.
“Police intelligence shows many of these offences are being carried out by violent child offenders, including many connected to gangs”.
“Traditionally, rideshare and food delivery drivers have been targeted by these offenders”, Hill said.
Meanwhile, crime intelligence technology firm Auror reported that Victoria’s retailers experienced the largest rise in crime in 2025.
There was a 43% increase in threats against retail staff, a 29% increase in violent events, and a 24% increase in incidents involving weapons.
The Auror data shows the top 10% of offenders are responsible for more than 60% of retail crime, and repeat offenders are up to four times more likely to be violent.
The data is clear: the Victorian Labor Government has failed to maintain law and order.
If the government put half as much effort into law enforcement as was spent enforcing the Covid-19 lockdowns and mask-wearing, Melbourne’s crime wave would have been eradicated.
