The City of Casey, located in Melbourne's outer south-east, has been identified as having the highest number of school-based violent offenses in Victoria over the past year. Data from the Crime Statistics Agency, covering the period up to September, indicates nearly 400 crimes occurred at schools or other educational facilities within the Casey council area, which includes suburbs like Cranbourne, Narre Warren, and Berwick.
Crime Statistics
Between October 2024 and September 2025, the City of Casey recorded 83 assaults and 61 sexual offenses on school grounds and other educational premises, marking the highest figures for any local government area in Victoria. Additionally, 71 thefts and 69 incidents of burglary were reported.
Other districts with high numbers of school-based crimes include:
- City of Melbourne: Recorded 614 total offenses, the highest statewide. The majority were thefts (380) and burglaries (97).
- City of Wyndham: Reported 315 crimes, including 103 thefts and 54 assaults, the second-highest for assaults in the state.
- City of Hume: Registered 226 crimes, comprising 53 assaults, 19 sex offenses, 55 thefts, and 26 property damage incidents.
Expert Analysis and Police Response
Joel McGregor, a senior lecturer in criminology at Swinburne University, suggested that the concentration of violent offenses in outer suburban areas might be linked to significant population growth and a comparative lack of youth services. He also noted that the data does not specify the times crimes occurred and that increased proactive policing could lead to higher reporting rates.
A Victoria Police spokesperson stated that theft, burglaries, and common assaults are the most frequent offenses at schools, often taking place outside school hours. They added that many recorded sex offenses involve non-contact incidents, such as the unauthorized sharing of explicit images or videos. Police conduct visits to schools statewide to promote safety, provide legal information, and develop strategies to deter youth crime, including educating students and staff on the consequences of non-consensual image sharing.
Policy Considerations
McGregor also commented that "zero-tolerance policies," increased policing, and suspensions are often ineffective. He asserted that research indicates these approaches can increase disengagement and disproportionately affect disadvantaged young people, potentially escalating harm rather than reducing it. He suggested that while such disciplinary actions may appear proactive, they often fail to address the underlying causes of youth crime.
The Department of Education indicated that numerous offenses happen outside school hours and may involve individuals not associated with the school community. Government schools reportedly have established procedures, including a centrally managed security system and police reporting when appropriate, to handle incidents on school grounds. The department did not provide specific data on police call-outs or detailed methods for addressing crime at school grounds.
Tragic Incidents
The reporting period included two fatalities on school grounds. In October 2024, an 11-year-old was killed when a driver crashed into Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East. In November 2024, a speech pathologist died saving children from a water tanker crash at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool.