Crimes in Victoria have decreased dramatically, with the Crime Statistics Agency reporting the lowest ever vicim rates in history.
In statistics released by the agency on Thursday, the rate of recorded offences decreased by 12.8 per cent in the past year, as did the number of offences, which was also down by 12.8 per cent.
It’s believed the statistics dropped to record lows as a result of the pandemic and the state being under strict lockdown measures for much of 2021.
CSA chief stxjmtzywatistician Fiona Dowsley said that decreases in thefts and burglaries had driven down the victimisation rate to the lowest levels ever seen.
“As Covid-related health responses and restrictions have evolved there have continued to be fewer breaches CHO directions offences recorded in the past 12 months,” Ms Dowsley said.
The data analysed recorded crime statistics for 2021.
Victimisation rates for property, deception and drug offences also decreased, with the agency reporting a 3.3 per cent drop.
The number of person-related victim reports decreased by 3.6 per cent to its lowest level since 2011, as did the number of organisation reports, which were down by 9.6 per cent.
The criminal incident rate also decreased in 2021 by 13.0 per cent, as did the number of incidents, which were down by 13.2 per cent.
Alleged offender incidents decreased by 18.9 per cent.
Family incidents also decreased by 1.5 per cent, in the first decrease since 2017. The rate of family incidents also decreased in the last 12 months, down by 1.2 per cent.
The only crime to increase during 2021 were related to family violence, with the agency reporting a 6.3 per cent increase the breaches of family violence orders, as well as common assault and criminal damage.
Family incidents decreased by 1.5 per cent in the last 12 months to 91,144 incidents, this is the first decrease since 2017.
The rate of family incidents also decreased in the last 12 months, down 1.2% to 1,364.7 incidents per 100,000 Victorians, also the first decrease since 2017.
