A former police detective has called for major changes to Victoria Police’s force structure in order to combat the state’s soaring crime.

Recently released statistics have highlighted Victoria’s growing crime problem, with more than 638,000 offences having been committed in the 12 months to June.

Newly appointed chief commissioner Mike Bush is determined to combat the problem, setting Victoria Police a target of reducing serious and violent crime by 5 per cent per year.

However retired police detective Charlie Bezzina told Sky News Australia the problem was not “too far gone” to be turned around without significant changes.

“This has been a quarter of a century in the making, since 2000, when the then chief commissioner said we don't have gangs,” the ex cop said.

“They took the eye of

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