Victoria’s Police Minister has been branded a “coward” and accused of avoiding tough questions over the state’s skyrocketing crime rates.

Statistics released on Thursday show Victoria’s crime rate has is at its highest rate in 20 years , with 638,640 criminal offences recorded in the 12 months to June 30 – an increase of 15.7 per cent.

This increase far exceeded population growth, with rate of offences per 100,000 people rising from 7,911 to 8,999 for every 100,000 people.

Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines held a short press conference about the latest figures at 9.15am on Thursday, just 10 minutes after the statistics were released.

This prompted a heated spray from Melbourne radio host Tom Elliott, who accused the Labor MP of hiding from scrutiny.

“It is extraordinary to

See Full Page