Latest news with #AnthonyCarbines
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Crime hits record high as youth violence soars
Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in one state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence. Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population. The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago. There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247. Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3,300 of what Victoria Police described as the "worst youth offenders" arrested. Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries. Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to "difficult economic times". They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent). Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months. The data released on Thursday was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March. Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent. Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable. "We'll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters," he said. Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break. Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be. "We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads," he said. "This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives. He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day. The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex. No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday.
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sky News AU
Victoria's crime rate surges 15 per cent in past year, as youth offending hits highest rate since electronic records began
Crime in Victoria is now at record highs with youth offending increasing by the largest rate since electronic records began. The latest crime statistics, released on Thursday, show there were 627,268 criminal offences committed in Victoria in the year ending March 2025, an increase of 17.1 per cent. When population growth is taken into account, this amounts to a 15.2 per cent increase in crime in one year, with 8,838.7 offences being committed for every 100,000 people. The increase comes despite Victoria Police performing an average of 208 arrests per day – 23 per cent more than a decade ago. "There is no doubt overall crime is higher than both the community and police would like," Acting Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations David Clayton said. 'That's why every police officer is working tirelessly to reduce crime and hold criminals accountable – as they did in these twelve months with a record 75,968 arrests.' Police said the number of arrests was now the highest since electronic records began in 1993, and most likely, in Victoria Police's 172-year history. This staggering increase in crime is being driven in part by record-high youth offending, which has increased by almost 18 per cent in the past year and 42 per cent since March 2015. According to Victoria Police, offences committed by individuals aged between 10 and 17 are now at their highest levels since electronic records began. "Children only account for 13.1 per cent of all offenders processed, however they are overrepresented in serious and violent crimes such as robberies (63.1 per cent), aggravated burglaries (46 per cent), and car theft (26.9 per cent)," police said in a statement. "Victoria Police has made 3,300 arrests of Victoria's worst youth offenders over the past year as part of Operation Trinity (home burglaries and car thefts) and Operation Alliance (youth gangs)." While acknowledging the crime rates were 'unacceptable', Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines was quick to point out that the latest statistics did not capture the impact of the Allan government's changes to bail laws – which took effect on March 28. 'Our unique offender rate remains stable. What that's telling us is that it's many of the same people committing additional offences that are driving our crime rate. That is why the government has introduced the toughest bail laws in the country,' Mr Carbines said. 'The government has acted, (and there has been) more offenders remanded than ever before since these changes took effect. 'We've seen a 100 per cent increase in young offenders remanded. We've seen a 31 per cent increase in adult offenders remanded. 'We will start to see those people unable to commit further offending. So I think we'll start to see that change picked up in future quarters.' The Police Minister said the government would also be introducing additional bail laws after parliament's winter break, as well as so-called post and boast laws. "We also have the second tranche of our bail reforms coming after the parliamentary winter ... which will be about high harm crimes, aggravated burglary, carjackings, home invasions," he said. "Where people commit those offences and repeat those offences, it'll be extremely difficult to get bail, extremely difficult. "We will also be bringing tougher measures, as you have seen, the crime statistics around retail crime, we cannot accept the growth in retail crime, that it's okay to continually, repeatedly steal from businesses." The fastest growing crimes included: Theft from motor vehicle - 82,414 offences, an increase of 39.3 per cent since last year. Theft from a retail store - 41,270 offences, an increase of 38.6 per cent since last year. Motor vehicle theft - 31,551 offences, an increase of 47.1 per cent since last year. Aggravated residential burglary - 7,878 offences, an increase of 30.5 per cent since last year. Total Serious Assaults - 17,732 offences, an increase of 14 per cent since last year. Theft (other) offences - 58,137 offences, an increase of 20.5 per cent since last year. Family violence order breaches - 63,809 offences, an increase of 18.3 since last year. Opposition leader Brad Battin said the statistics showed Labor had failed Victorians. 'This is evidence that what Labor is doing is not working – community safety is clearly not their priority and Victorians are suffering,' Mr Battin said. 'We're now in a position where people do not feel safe in the one place they should – their home. 'Labor has lost control of crime in this state; only a Liberals and Nationals government will ensure that if you break bail, you will face jail and that offenders face consequences for their actions.'
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Crime hits record high as youth violence soars
Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in one state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence. Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population. The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago. There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247. Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3,300 of what Victoria Police described as the "worst youth offenders" arrested. Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries. Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to "difficult economic times". They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent). Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months. The data released on Thursday was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March. Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent. Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable. "We'll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters," he said. Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break. Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be. "We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads," he said. "This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives. He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day. The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex. No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday. Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in one state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence. Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population. The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago. There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247. Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3,300 of what Victoria Police described as the "worst youth offenders" arrested. Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries. Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to "difficult economic times". They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent). Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months. The data released on Thursday was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March. Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent. Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable. "We'll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters," he said. Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break. Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be. "We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads," he said. "This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives. He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day. The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex. No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday. Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in one state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence. Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population. The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago. There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247. Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3,300 of what Victoria Police described as the "worst youth offenders" arrested. Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries. Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to "difficult economic times". They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent). Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months. The data released on Thursday was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March. Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent. Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable. "We'll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters," he said. Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break. Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be. "We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads," he said. "This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives. He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day. The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex. No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday. Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in one state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence. Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population. The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago. There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247. Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3,300 of what Victoria Police described as the "worst youth offenders" arrested. Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries. Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to "difficult economic times". They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent). Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months. The data released on Thursday was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March. Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent. Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable. "We'll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters," he said. Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break. Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be. "We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads," he said. "This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives. He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day. The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex. No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Crime hits record high as youth violence soars
Criminal incidents have soared to a record high in one state, with youth over-represented in violent attacks and cost-of-living linked crimes the fastest growing type of offence. Offences in Victoria soared by 15.2 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, when adjusted for population. The were 627,268 offences recorded, while criminal incidents jumped to 474,927, up 18.1 per cent, the highest number since the Crime Statistics Agency started recording data two decades ago. There was also a record number of family violence incidents, which were up 10.7 per cent to 106,247. Child crime was at its highest level since 1993, when electronic records started, with 3,300 of what Victoria Police described as the "worst youth offenders" arrested. Those aged from 10-17 represented just 13.1 per cent of all offenders, but police said they were over-represented in violent and serious crimes, including robberies and aggravated burglaries. Property crimes were the fastest growing type of offence, which the force attributed to "difficult economic times". They include motor vehicle theft (up 47.1 per cent), theft from a motor vehicle (up 39.3 per cent), retail theft (up 38.6 per cent) and other theft (up 20.5 per cent). Arrests jumped 23 per cent in the last decade, while some 25,917 people were arrested a combined 75,968 times in the last 12 months. The data released on Thursday was recorded before the Victorian government introduced harsher bail laws. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said justice department data showed the number of youths being held on remand had doubled since that legislation came into effect in late March. Adults being held on remand have also jumped by 31 per cent. Mr Carbines said soaring crime figures were being driven by repeat offenders, but the results were unacceptable. "We'll start to see those tougher bail laws have an effect on some of our crime statistics and crime indicators in future quarters," he said. Another round of bail reforms are expected to hit the floor of parliament in late July after the winter break. Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner David Clayton said there was no doubt crime was higher than what the community and police would like it to be. "We know the community has strong concerns around young offenders breaking into homes to steal cars, which are then driven at high speeds on our roads," he said. "This offending has led to catastrophic consequences in the past year, with stolen cars involved in more than 760 crashes and six people losing their lives. He said knife crime was another area of focus, with some 44 blades removed from the streets each day. The release of the figures came a day after shoppers were forced to take cover at Melbourne's Northland Shopping Centre as a Toyota Landcruiser four-wheel drive was seen being driven through the centre of the complex. No one was physically injured in the incident, which Victoria Police alleged occurred as the driver tried to evade officers in the stolen vehicle. A 27-year-old East Melbourne man was arrested early on Thursday.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Criminals who boast about their crimes on social media will serve extra time under new laws in Victoria
Criminals who boast about their crimes online could serve extra jail time under news laws introduced in Victoria. The Allan Labor government will outlaw bragging about certain crimes on social media and messaging apps, which could see offenders serve an additional two years behind bars on top of their sentence. The new law targets criminals who post content about their crimes such as affray, burglary, robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions and violent disorder. The laws will also apply to anyone caught encouraging or facilitating the same crimes. The legislation was introduced after authorities noticed a 'dangerous trend' on TikTok and Snapchat from users seeking attention about their crimes and copycat offending. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said Victorians were outraged by offenders posting and boasting about their crimes, which was why they were taking action. 'This crack down alongside our tough new bail laws and machete ban is all about keeping Victorians safe,' she said. Police Minister Anthony Carbines these laws backed the work of Victoria Police and sent a clear message to offenders. 'Crime isn't content, it isn't entertainment, and it won't be tolerated,' he said. Similar laws already exist in NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory, and are being rolled in Tasmania, West Australia and South Australia making Victoria the last state to act. Shadow Attorney-General Michael O'Brien said the opposition raised an issue that offenders used social media to glorify criminal behaviour 18 months ago, but the government denied action was necessary until now. He said too many Victorians who were victims of serious offending had insult added to injury by perpetrators bragging about their crimes online. Mr O'Brien said the government had been dragged kicking and screaming to act after denying there was a problem. 'Labor did it with weak bail laws. Labor did it with banning machetes. Now Labor is doing it with 'post and boast' offending,' he said. 'Victorians deserve better than 'deny, delay and drag'. It's no way to protect community safety.' But the Justice Reform Initiative's Executive Director Mindy Sotiri said the Victorian government had reverted to political posturing, missing an opportunity to engage with evidence about what worked to support community safety and prevent reoffending. The organisation reported Victoria's correctional system was under mounting strain after changes to bail laws, seeing the adult remand population and the number of children on remand rise by 22 per cent and 71 per cent respectively in the past year. Dr Sotiri said further punishing people for posting to social media failed to address the drivers of that behaviour and won't work as a deterrent. 'Introducing penalties for 'posting and boasting' sounds catchy and might work for political pointscoring in the short-term, but is not based in any evidence, 'she said. 'All the evidence shows that the earlier children have interaction with the criminal justice system, the more likely they are to be cycling in and out of it for years to come. That's a bad result for children, for taxpayers and for community safety. 'We've seen this 'tough on crime' approach repeatedly fail in Queensland and contribute to rapidly rising prison numbers in NSW. 'Rather than trying to outdo other jurisdictions with even harsher laws, Victoria needs to take a smarter approach that meaningfully invests in evidence-based responses to crime that genuinely disrupt its reoccurrence.'
