Data reveals where crimes occur in and around schools and tertiary institutions in Victoria

The state’s most dangerous school and tertiary zones have been revealed, with crime soaring by more than 65 per cent in one area. See which local government areas top the list.

Students at the trouble-plagued Tarneit Senior College, which is in Wyndham, were being attacked in the schoolyard with deadly weapons including tasers.

Victoria’s most dangerous school and tertiary zones have been revealed, with crime soaring in some local government areas by almost 65 per cent.

Crime Statistics Agency data obtained exclusively by the Herald Sun shows a rise in crime on or nearby schoolgrounds, universities and other educational facilities.

Melbourne was the area with the most incidents recorded on school grounds and educational facilities, recording 639 offences in April 2023 to March 2024.

Casey had the second highest number of incidents, with 318 offences, while Hume recorded 313, Wyndham (308) and Greater Geelong (286).

In Melbourne, thefts have increased by 85 per cent, while bike thefts surged by 77 per cent, compared to the previous year.

Incidents of graffiti slightly decreased, with only 54 offences recorded, compared to 85 the previous year.

In Casey, non-aggravated burglaries increased by just 11 offences, compared to last year’s figure.

Theft by deception was the highest crime committed in Hume, with 100 offences this past year, in comparison to two offences in March 2023.

Offences in Ballarat increased by almost 65 per cent from 2023 to 2024.

Frankston experienced a significant rise in theft by 514 per cent this year, with 86 offences in comparison to 14 the previous year.

Mornington Peninsula’s highest crimes included criminal damage and a range of other offences, while Brimbank and Latrobe had a rise in non-aggravated burglaries.

In most local government areas, crimes appeared to decrease during Covid lockdowns.

In August last year, students at the trouble-plagued Tarneit Senior College, which is in Wyndham, were being attacked in the schoolyard with deadly weapons including tasers.

The Herald Sun had obtained several internal incident reports, which showed teachers logging taser attacks and other serious incidents including vicious fights.

Four staff members fell victim to an alleged assault by teens while coming to the rescue of a student who was ambushed in an after-school group attack.

Graphic videos also emerged last year showing schoolyard fights, including head-stomping and children being set upon by their ­attackers or repeatedly kicked while on the ground.

Students from schools including St Albans Secondary College, Tarneit Senior College, Point Cook Senior College were involved.

A Victoria Police spokesman said police took all reports of crime seriously and encouraged schools to report any incidents immediately.

“Violence and threatening behaviour is never acceptable, no matter where it occurs,” he said.

“In addition to responding to incidents police proactively visit schools to provide information to students, teachers and parents on topics relating to the law, safety and wellbeing.

“The specific information provided varies according to local school needs.

“These statistics do not show whether the offences were committed by students or if they were committed during school hours.

“We know certain crimes, such as burglaries and thefts, often occur when schools are closed.”

A Department of Education spokesman said Victorian schools had zero tolerance for violence and took strong action against those who compromise the safety of its schools.

“Government schools have clear processes in place to respond to any incidents of violence and aggression, including reporting incidents to police where appropriate,” he said.