Victorian crime data shows family violence assaults at highest levels since 2016

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Victoria’s latest crime figures show offences continue to rise, with sharp increases across Melbourne’s outer east and statewide totals reaching record levels.

Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency for the year to 30 September 2025 shows crime increased in every Outer East region.

Yarra Ranges recorded an 8.5% rise in incidents to 5,841. Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park were the busiest areas. The most common offences were theft from cars, family violence order breaches and shop theft.

Knox saw incidents climb 6.8% to 8,311, with Wantirna South, Boronia and Ferntree Gully leading the numbers. Theft from vehicles and retail stores topped the list.

Maroondah recorded a 9.2% increase to 6,752 incidents. Ringwood and Croydon were hotspots, with car thefts, shoplifting and bail breaches among the most frequent crimes.

Cardinia had the largest jump, with incidents rising 20.1% to 7,067. Pakenham and Officer accounted for much of the increase. Vehicle-related theft and family violence breaches were common.

Across Victoria, recorded offences rose 10.8% to 640,860, while the crime rate climbed 9%. Criminal incidents reached their highest level since reporting began in 2004.

The biggest driver was theft, especially stealing from vehicles and retail stores. Property and deception offences jumped 14.2%, adding more than 47,000 cases in one year.

Family violence incidents also increased, with more than 105,000 cases statewide. Authorities say serious family violence assaults are at their highest level since 2016, partly due to new offences targeting choking and strangulation introduced last year.

Police and analysts warn affordability pressures and repeat theft offences continue to strain communities across the state.

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