Youth crime in Knox up 88%, with 806 alleged offences in a year

Crimes allegedly committed by children in Victoria aged between 10 and 17 in 2024 jumped to the highest level since electronic records started in 1993, with Knox recording 806 offender incidents, an increase of 87.9 percent over 12 months.

Crime Statistics Agency Victoria has released its data highlighting the number of criminal offences recorded over the year to December 2024.

Overall, there were 605,640 criminal offences recorded - an increase of 82,237 offences or 15.7 percent. 

The statistics don’t take into account increases in population over time, simply the number of alleged offences.

In the year to December 2024, our LGAs saw the following increases: 

• Knox - 11,607 (a 14.3 percent increase on the previous year);

• Manningham - 5,482 (up 13.9 percent);

• Maroondah - 8,627 (up 12.5 percent); 

• Yarra Ranges - 7,884 (up 10.8 percent);

• Whitehorse - 10,916 (up 10.2 percent); and

• Monash - 14,973 (up 10.1 percent).

Theft from a motor vehicle was both the most common and fastest growing crime, with 75,731 offences, an increase of 18,929 compared to 2023. More than a third of these offences related to number plate theft, with Victoria Police alleging criminals often target plates to carry out further serious offending in stolen vehicles.

Across local LGAs, the most significant increases in theft from motor vehicle offences were in Maroondah (up 101.1 per cent) and Yarra Ranges (up 63.6 per cent).

There were 24,550 alleged criminal offences committed statewide by 7,414 children aged 10 to 17, a 16.3 percent increase.

Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, Bob Hill, said the most recent crime statistics were “totally unacceptable”, particularly considering the high level of youth crime.

“We completely understand the community concerns around young offenders breaking into homes, stealing cars and putting other people at risk on our roads.”

Hill said Victoria Police was keen to see the Victorian Government’s proposed stronger bail laws come into effect soon.

“The time has come for Victorians to feel safe in their homes again and for young offenders to be held accountable. We welcome last week’s announcement and have every confidence that the changes will lead to a reduction in youth offending and crimes such as aggravated burglaries.”