Shopping Centre Violence in Victoria

It has long been known that youths loitering in shopping centres create a risk of gang violence. Data released across Victoria reveals an almost 90% increase of violence over the past five years.

Against the violence increase has also been more than 40% increase in crime generally, most prominent being theft.

In response Victoria Police and security staff at the centres have increased overt patrols but the problem continues.

Risk assessors and security advisors are encouraged to reconsider established methods for asset protection and look to new innovative ways to provide a level of guardianship that is weighted toward proactive rather than reactive methods.

Data on the incidence of crime is available through the Crime Statistics Agency of Victoria.