Expanded Adult Crime, Adult Time to crack down on car thefts and keep Victorians safe

More serious youth offenders will face real consequences for their actions under an expansion of the Liberal and Nationals’ Adult Crime, Adult Time policy.

Under Labor, police numbers are down, crime is up and Victoria has become the motor vehicle theft capital of the nation with an average of 87 cars stolen every day.

This record number of car thefts is adding to cost of living pressures, with the Insurance Council of Australia confirming Victoria’s total motor vehicle theft insurance bill of $243 million is higher than all other states combined.

As part of the Liberals and Nationals plan to restore community safety, a further five offences – including motor vehicle theft – will be included under Adult Crime, Adult Time, bringing the total number of Adult Crime offences to 25.

The newly uplifted offences and maximum penalties are:

1. Theft of a Motor Vehicle (10 years imprisonment)
2. Attempted Carjacking (10 years imprisonment)
3. Attempted Aggravated Carjacking (25 years imprisonment)
4. Violent Disorder (riot) (15 years imprisonment)
5. Reckless Conduct Endangering Life (10 years imprisonment).

Adult Crime, Adult Time will ensure that youth offenders who commit a serious offence will face an adult court – meaning tougher penalties and real consequences.

Adult Crime, Adult Time is a key part of the Liberals and Nationals’ Safer Communities Plan, which includes hiring 3,000 more police, reopening more than 40 police stations, returning PSOs to every metropolitan train station and investing in crime prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.

Shadow Attorney-General, James Newbury, said: “Under Labor, serious youth offenders are getting off because they only half finish their crime and despite a record number of car thefts, youth criminals are being treated with kid gloves.

“A Liberal and Nationals Government will ensure youth offenders who commit these crimes are treated like adults – because if you commit an adult crime, you should do adult time.

“Unlike Labor’s weak laws, our plan means that for 25 serious crimes, there will be no more excuses and offenders will receive the punishment the community expects.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to reduce crime, lower costs and deliver a government that works.”