Victoria’s crime wave has been linked to high immigration by a leading sociologist, who blamed rapid population growth for stretching government services and undermining support for multiculturalism.

Criminal offences in the state rose 15.7 per cent last financial year to an all-time high of 638,640, the Crime Statistics Agency revealed today. The number of people charged with retail crimes surged 42 per cent, proof of a shoplifting surge reported by department stores, hardware outlets and clothing boutiques.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines described the record-high crime levels as “unacceptable” and said repeat offenders had rorted bail laws.

“There are too many victims at this time,” he said. “There is a crime level that is unacceptable to Victoria Police, to the government and to me

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