The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, says Victorians are less safe than ever before, as new data confirms criminal offending has reached a record high under the Allan Labor Government.
Independent Crime Statistics Agency data released today shows that in the 12 months to December 2025:
- A total of 630,592 crimes were committed – the equivalent of one crime every 50 seconds.
• Motor vehicle theft increased by 11 per cent – the equivalent of one car stolen every 16.4 minutes. - Prohibited and controlled weapons offences, including those involving machetes, increased by 10 per cent.
- Carjacking offences increased by 11 per cent.
- Serious assaults linked to family violence increased by 24 per cent.
Almost half of all offences remain unsolved, with 286,329 crimes still outstanding – a 15 per cent increase over the past year.
“Crime is rising, police resources are stretched, and people are feeling less safe in their own communities,” Ms Benham said.
“With more than 1,500 police vacancies, reduced station hours and fewer frontline resources, it’s clear Labor isn’t keeping up with the demands of community safety.”
Ms Benham said the data is even more concerning given the Allan Labor Government’s decision to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12.
“Changing the way offences are recorded doesn’t change what’s happening on the ground, it just masks the true extent of the problem.
“Victorians deserve a government that takes community safety seriously and delivers the resources police need to do their job.
“Labor can’t manage money, it can’t keep communities safe and Victorians are paying the price.”
