THE overall crime statistics for Victoria has dropped for 2025-26 and suggests that Victoria has had a reduction in crime, although plenty of work is still to be done.
A total of 625,426 criminal offences were recorded in Victoria in the 12 months to 2026, a decrease of 0.2 per cent, while the crime rate decreased by 1.9 per cent to 8690.8 offences per 100,000 people.
This is the first time Victoria has recorded a decrease in crime in almost four years, according to Victoria Police, but overall crime has increased by 26 per cent over the past three years.
In terms of local government areas, Mitchell Shire recorded a 1.3 per cent drop in criminal incidents compared to 2025, Whittlesea recorded a 1.4 per cent drop and the Macedon Ranges recorded a 0.3 per cent drop.
However, unsolved cases remain high across all three Shires, with Mitchell having 39.2 per cent of cases unresolved, Whittlesea 55.9 per cent and Macedon Ranges 44 per cent.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said more work needed to be done across the state.
“While pleasing to see overall crime slightly decrease, the reality is that overall crime in Victoria still remains far higher than both police and the community would like,” he said.
“This is why we are absolutely committed to ensuring our highly trained officers are where they are needed most – in the community, patrolling the streets, deterring criminal behaviour and preventing crime.
“The early indications are we’re making some positive steps to achieve this with armed robberies, carjackings, and aggravated home burglaries all reducing.”
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines echoed Mr Hill’s thoughts.
“There’s more work to do but crime is down, youth offending is down and more people are being jailed not bailed,” he said.
“We give police what they need to keep Victorians safe – more powers, tougher laws and stronger consequences.”
However, the continued high numbers have caused concern across the chamber, with opposition leader Jess Wilson saying there was still too much crime in Victoria.
“Community safety is a top priority for my team, and we have a comprehensive plan to end the crime crisis,” she said.