Youth crime skyrockets in Victoria, crime statistics reveal

Aggravated home burglaries by young people have skyrocketed in Victoria, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.

The new statistics, which cover the twelve months to March, also found that dangerous driving increased by 17 per cent. The state's road toll for the year has climbed to 145.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said the data among young people was concerning, with "serious and violent crime" escalating.

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Overall, there were 496,589 criminal offences recorded in Victoria, an increase of 5.6 per cent on the previous year.

But there was a steep rise in youth offending.

Aggravated residential burglaries increased by 30 per cent, with the most common age group responsible being aged 15-17.

There was also a 44.6 per cent increase in incidents involving children aged 10-14.

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"Serious and violent youth crime is another ongoing focus, with Operation Alliance leading to the arrest of around 450 youth gang members a combined total of more than 1500 times over the past year," Nugent said.

"Youth gangs remain an issue, however our intense focus on disrupting and dismantling these gangs is reaping benefits."

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