Victoria Police say cracking down on youth crime is a top priority. -AAP Image
A youth crime wave has engulfed Victoria as data shows offences committed by children aged 10 to 14 have increased more than 40 per cent.
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The age group was responsible for at least 6418 offences across the state during the 12 months until March, marking an increase of nearly 45 per cent on the previous year.
The latest Crime Statistics Agency figures show burglaries committed by the same age group spiked by almost 87 per cent.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said youth crime remained a top priority for investigators.
Over the past 12 months, police arrested youth gang members more than 1500 times and 3400 charges were laid under the Operation Alliance blitz.
"Youth gangs remain an issue, however our intense focus on disrupting and dismantling these gangs is reaping benefits," Mr Nugent said.
"In the past few years, we have reduced the number of serious and violent youth gang members on our watchlist, with 137 less known youth gang members in Victoria than when Operation Alliance commenced in September 2020."
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