A major state is grappling with a record-high crime wave driven by a huge jump in theft, threatening people's right to feel safe in their homes and communities.

The number of criminal offences in Victoria surged 15.7 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June 2025, quarterly figures from the Crime Statistics Agency released on Thursday showed.

The crime rate, which takes population growth into account, rose by 13.8 per cent.

It's the second time in a row that the quarterly data has revealed a record number of criminal incidents.

"As a society, we simply cannot allow the level of crime we are seeing to become normalised and accepted - every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their home, within the community and on the roads," Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said.

Four of

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