Violent youth crime out of control in Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s hometown of Bendigo

Youth crime is out of control in Premier Jacinta Allan’s hometown, with Bendigo residents calling for action as teen thugs terrorise the community without fear of consequences.

Bendigo residents are sick and tired of rampant youth crime in Premier Jacinta Allan’s home town Picture: Gianni Francis

Youth crime is out of control in Premier Jacinta Allan’s home town with frightened residents battling nightly home invasions, a surge in stolen cars and violence on the streets as anger over the state’s weak bail laws boils over.

Hundreds of fed-up locals have lashed out on social media voicing their frustrations and concern for community safety as young thugs commit violent crimes in broad daylight on the streets of Bendigo without fear of consequence.

Bendigo residents are battling nightly home invasions as young thugs creep around their properties. Picture: Supplied.

Just a few examples of recent offending that rocked the Bendigo community includes:

A group of young thugs stormed a Bendigo school on Williamson St, attacking and spitting on staff and students which preceded a gang bashing on Mitchell St, with one or more offenders using hockey sticks;

A groupof thugs caught on camera committing a “disgusting” gang bashing on two men in Bendigo’s CBD; and

One teen who was recently released on his 55th count of bail was arrested and charged following an alleged crime spree culminating in an alleged violent home invasion on Helm St, Kangaroo Flat on February 13 where a man was bashed in the head with a hammer.

“People are living in fear, they’re scared to go out at night,” one resident said.

“They can’t even feel safe in their own homes.”

In Bendigo in the 12 months to September 2024, home invasions increased by 89 per cent and motor vehicle thefts were up 50 per cent as residents report almost daily seeing young criminals on home security cameras try to gain access to cars and houses.

Burglars creeping around a Bendigo property trying to break into cars and houses. Picture: Supplied.

Robberies in Bendigo were at lower levels than 10 years ago, according to police data, but almost daily violence being reported has left residents alarmed.

One Bendigo Marketplace employee said it was common to see the elderly targeted, describing a vicious assault by a group of young thugs on an elderly man that left him with “blood pissing out of his head”.

Bendigo Investigation and Response Manager Inspector Dan Davison said detectives would closely monitor repeat offenders who were on bail, and said those who re-offended would be “held accountable” regardless of age.

“Youth crime remains a challenge for police in Bendigo with a key issue being children targeting homes and cars,” he said.

“Unfortunately, many of these incidents have involved unlocked property, making them easier targets for offenders.

“Bendigo police are cracking down on this issue with targeted operations, investigations, and regular patrols in place.”

Local police members who spoke exclusively to the Saturday Herald Sun have expressed frustration at the current state of bail laws in Victoria, with repeat youth offenders they arrest and charge released almost immediately.

Police are investigating after two men were bashed by a group of thugs on Bull St in Bendigo on Saturday, February 8. Picture: Supplied.,

Police have also revealed that notorious youth crims deemed “ring leaders” were recruiting kids as young as 10 to 12 into their crews, teaching them how to perpetrate home invasions without getting caught.

Resident’s describe it as a revolving door, with notorious teens terrorising the community with absolutely no regard for any consequences, leaving residents angered and calling for more to be done to address the rise in youth crime.

Several fed up locals told the Saturday Herald Sun they would take the law into their own hands.

Ms Allen conceded the state’s bail laws were not strong enough and she denounced the behaviour of youth criminals in her home town as “absolutely appalling”.

Hoons were allegedly caught on camera doing burnouts in front of the Bendigo courthouse on Pall Mall. Picture: Supplied

“I hear and understand the concerns of Bendigo locals, and am acting on those,” the Premier said.

“It is clear that we need to go even further when there are still too many Victorians who don’t feel safe - that’s why I have asked the Attorney-General and the Minister for Police to review our current laws, including bail laws.

“Victoria Police are out 24/7 holding offenders to account - backed by a record $4.5 billion investment, new powers, and new laws that deliver tougher consequences for serious, repeat offenders which are already making a difference.”

The Nationals’ MP for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said repeat offenders had been allowed to run rampant for far too long – breaking into homes, terrorising communities, and committing serious assault – only to be bailed and allowed to offend again.

“We need tougher bail laws now to protect the community. Our community does not feel safe and we need to see action,” she said.

“The government cannot continue to drag its feet on this issue while innocent Victorians are living in fear.”