Crime surge hits Melbourne: thefts from cars and retail stores drive state-wide increase

Victoria has recorded its sharpest rise in crime in more than a decade, with thefts from vehicles and retail stores among the offences surging most strongly, according to new data from the state’s Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).

Figures for the 12 months to June 2025 show 638,640 criminal offences across Victoria – an increase of 86,587, or 15.7 per cent, on the previous year. When population growth is considered, the crime rate rose by 13.8 per cent to 8998.9 offences per 100,000 people.

Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding suburbs have been far from immune, with acquisitive crimes in particular placing pressure on local businesses, commuters and residents. Theft from motor vehicles remains the most common offence across the state, rising by nearly 40 per cent to 86,351 cases. Number plates were the most frequently stolen item, accounting for almost 40 per cent of cases – a trend felt keenly in inner-city streets where on-street parking is common.

Retail theft also continues to escalate, with 41,667 incidents recorded across Victoria in the past year, up 27.6 per cent. Melbourne’s central shopping precincts, already under strain from shoplifting and organised theft syndicates, have been targeted in a number of police operations. A recent crackdown in the CBD resulted in more than 40 arrests, 110 charges and the recovery of over $200,000 in stolen items.

Motor vehicle thefts rose to their highest level since 2002, with 33,018 incidents – a 42.1 per cent jump. Police intelligence suggests at least one in five stolen cars is now taken using electronic key reprogramming or mimic devices, with more than 800 seized from offenders in the past year. Inner-city suburbs where residents rely on street parking have been especially vulnerable.

Aggravated home burglaries also climbed by 21.7 per cent, with 7856 incidents reported. In most cases, car keys were the primary target – often leading to subsequent vehicle thefts.

Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations, Bob Hill, said the figures reflected an “unacceptable level of offending” across Victoria.

“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,” he said. “We will continue to make arrests and hold offenders to account, but we need to prevent and deter crime to reduce offending so that there are fewer victims in Victoria”.

Police have made more than 77,500 arrests in the reporting period, including more than 3300 linked to youth gang activity and car thefts. Children made up just under 13 per cent of all offenders processed, but were significantly over-represented in serious crimes including robberies and aggravated burglaries.

In Melbourne’s CBD, operations targeting retail theft and knife-related crime have been intensified, with patrols across shopping centres and transport hubs. Police intelligence indicates almost 11,000 edged weapons were seized statewide over the past year.

Organised crime remains a driving factor. Investigations this year uncovered syndicates responsible for large-scale retail theft, including one group accused of stealing $10 million worth of goods – much of it liquor from supermarkets – and another targeting electronics valued at $700,000.

Police say preventing repeat offending is now a major focus. A small cohort of offenders continues to drive a disproportionate amount of crime, with 1128 children arrested more than 7000 times in the past year.

Deputy Commissioner Hill said Victoria Police had set an “ambitious target” of reducing serious and violent crime by five per cent each year. “There is no doubt this will be a challenge, but it is a fight we are up for to ensure our community remains as safe as possible”.