Youth Crime in Victoria

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There is a misconception that youth crime is increasing due to modern media
Although there was a spike in 2012 - 2013 there has been a decrease of 6,600 offences from 2008 - 2024

Theft offences had the highest rate of offence in 2008-2009 but significantly dropped in 2015 - 2016
Public order offences is steadily decreasing with a drop of 77% from 2008 - 2024
Acts intending to cause injury has increased by 16%

There is an apparent trend that as the age increases for both genders over time, the offences also increase
The greatest difference between genders is for the 14 - 17 year old age group where on average males are responsible for 2.5 times the amount of crime committed compared to females
The greatest amount of youth crime is committed by an unknown sex which is greater than both male and female

History of disadvantage and hardship is proven to have an impact on young people and their actions
It can range from substance abuse to self harm and cognitive impairments

The Youth Crime Prevention Grants (YCPG) is a government response to youth crime which has been operating since 2017
The YCPG program focuses on reducing youth crime rates by implementing protective factors through evidence based research
The comprehensive and social competence approach had the highest engagement rate for school and training purposes
The social competence approach has shown the most consistent outcomes for all three engagement types

Victoria State Government. (2022). Youth Crime Prevention Grants Program Evaluation Final Report Evidence and Insights (TRIM ID: CD/22/143332). https://files.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/2022-05/Youth%20Crime%20Prevention%20Grants%20Program%20Evaluation%20Final%20Report%20March%202022_.pdf