The local government areas with the highest criminal incident rates (in order from highest) were Melbourne, Yarra, Latrobe, Port Phillip, and Mildura. Port Phillip had the highest annual increase among these five areas.
The statistics were released today by the independent Crime Statistics Agency and track Victorian crime reports annually since 2016.
The statewide rate of recorded offences increased, up 13.8% to 8,998 per 100,000 Victorians in the last 12 months, while the number of offences increased 15.7% to 638,640. Property and deception offences had the largest increase in the last 12 months, up 21.2% or 66,144 to 378,050 offences. The main driver of the increase was Theft offences, up 54,175 to 246,654 offences due to Steal from a motor vehicle offences, which were up 24,409 to 86,351 offences in the last 12 months.
In the 12 months to 30 June 2025, the number of criminal incidents increased, up 18.3% or 74,653 to 483,583 incidents. The rate also increased, up 16.3% to 6,814 per 100,000 Victorians.
Theft incidents increased by 33.8% or 11,457 to 45,304 alleged offender incidents. Specifically, Steal from a retail store incidents increased 41.8% or 6,040 to 20,474 alleged offender incidents.
The rate of crime per head has increased from 8,671 per 100,000 in 2016 to 8,998 per 100,000 in 2025 – a 3.8% increase. Over the same period, the number of offences increased by 19%. During this time, the Victorian population rose from about 5.9 million in 2016 to 7.16 million today – an increase of about 21%.
The CSA data is collated from police sources, which include information from public reports via 000 and in-person reports.
Trends in crime:
Shoplifting and thefts from cars are on the rise
The five year statewide trend can be seen in the stark rise in property and deception. In Port Phillip, this is demonstrated in increased reports of shoplifting and opportunistic theft, such as theft from cars and apartments.
Focus on data about Port Phillip
With over a 20% increase in criminal incidents compared to the previous year, the data is sobering. Driven by theft from vehicles, other theft, criminal damage, auto theft, and retail theft, most crime is occurring on the streets, in residences, retail locations, and car parks. The only positive on the chart is the decline in house theft.
The data points to opportunistic crime, street theft, theft from cars, graffiti, and shoplifting, reinforcing the police message to “lock it or lose it.” It may also reflect the impact of the rising cost of living and inequity.
Many more touched by crime
There has also been a significant increase in the number of victim reports, with a 23% increase over the previous year. That includes 3,529 women, 4,753 men, and 2,878 businesses impacted by theft, assault, burglary, property damage, or deception.
Alleged offenders tend to be older
The age range of the alleged offenders defies clichés about youth crime, with those aged 45 and older topping the chart; however, with over 500 offender incidents involving those under 25, it is not a good early start.
The top five offences are consistent with general themes, but with the addition of breaches of orders as more people resort to IVOs, PSIOs, and FVIOs.
See for yourself at CSA website – select Port Phillip
