Victorian Theft Analysis (2015–2024)

Varun Senthilnathan Vijayalakshmi(S4129948)


Introduction – The Rising Concern

“Where is theft hurting Victoria the most?”
  • Property theft continues to be a significant concern across Victoria.
    Between 2015 and 2024, official statistics reveal striking patterns —
    particularly in urban centres, vulnerable item categories, and common locations.
  • This analysis seeks to uncover where the highest losses occur,
    and what drives those patterns over time.
  • By diving into value-based data across regions, items, and locations,
    we aim to connect the dots and reveal emerging trends.
Goal: To uncover hidden theft patterns and suggest smarter, targeted interventions.

Scope & Focus Areas

This analysis focuses on property theft in Victoria
from 2015 to 2024, drawing directly from
government-reported statistics.


We examined data across the following dimensions:
  • Time Period: Annual trends over a 10-year span
  • Geography: LGAs (excluding ‘Victoria’) & Police Regions
  • Value-Based Focus: Total value emphasis over incident count
  • Item Categories: Types of stolen property
  • Location Types: Residential, commercial, and others


Note: Summary rows and missing data were excluded for clarity.
Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria (2024)

STATEWIDE THEFT TREND (2015–2024)

Theft value plummeted during 2020–2021 likely due to lockdowns, before rising again in 2023–24.

“Even crime paused during a pandemic — but it came back stronger.”

THEFT VALUE BY POLICE REGION (2015–2024)

Theft is not evenly distributed — some police regions consistently show higher total losses.

“A few regions carry the weight of Victoria’s theft burden.”

TOP 10 STOLEN PROPERTY ITEMS (2015–2024)

Jewellery, cash, and electronics top the list of high-value stolen items.

“Thieves follow the money — and the resale value.”

TOP STOLEN ITEMS BY LOCATION TYPE

Jewellery and cash dominate residential theft, while tools are prevalent in commercial areas.

“Item theft varies by environment — homes vs worksites tell different stories.”

TOP 10 LGAs BY VALUE OF THEFT (2015–2024)

Theft losses concentrate in urban LGAs with dense populations and more wealth indicators.

“If it’s dense and valuable — it’s a target.”

Key Observations


  • Urban centres report higher theft values
  • Electronics and cash are consistently targeted
  • Residential areas remain vulnerable
  • 2020–2021 dip aligns with lockdown periods


"Data whispers patterns. We listened."

Real-World Implications


  • Urban vulnerability: Theft hotspots are concentrated in commercial and densely populated LGAs.
  • Property at risk: Consistently stolen items suggest predictable criminal behavior.
  • Policing insights: Strategic deployment of resources can reduce theft in high-value regions.
  • Public awareness: Campaigns around securing high-value property and reporting incidents are essential.


These insights can drive smarter policing, safer communities, and better resource planning across Victoria.

Concluding Insights


  • Policy must focus on urban LGAs with high-value theft.
  • Awareness campaigns for at-risk items like electronics are essential.
  • Enhance reporting channels and improve data quality.
  • Targeted strategies for police regions and locations can optimize resource use.


This analysis offers a foundation for data-driven decision-making in theft prevention and community safety planning.