Carjackings up 'significant' 80% in Vic

Victoria Police admits there's been a "significant" increase in carjackings in the past year but argues an 80 per cent jump in attacks doesn't mean the state is facing an epidemic.

There were 171 carjackings over the 12 months to April 2016, compared with 95 in the previous year.

"We've come up about 80 per cent in that period of time so it's a significant increase," Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told 3AW on Thursday

But, he insisted, "it's not an epidemic by any stretch".

Mr Patton is worried the level of violence involved is increasing.

There were two vicious carjackings in Melbourne in 24 hours this week. Both victims were hospitalised after being attacked with a hammer and, in the second incident, a crowbar.

Daniel Andrews' government is talking with police about introducing a new carjacking offence.

Attorney-General Martin Pakula on Wednesday revealed there'd been "advanced talks" on the issue.

Mr Patton says if the law is changed he'd like it to be tougher for alleged offenders to get bail.

"It might be if we create an offence of carjacking that we say someone who is apprehended for carjacking ... would have to show cause why they should get bail," the state's acting top cop said, adding penalties needed to be "substantial".

Many carjackers are under 18 and repeat offenders, Mr Patton said.

Police have previously linked some of the worst incidents to the notorious Apex youth crime gang which has also been blamed for home invasions where keys were demanded and luxury cars stolen.

Authorities believe the spike in carjackings is due to improved security that makes it harder to hot-wire vehicles.