In a significant overhaul of Victoria's youth bail laws, children as young as 14 could be fitted with electronic monitoring devices to ensure compliance with bail conditions, such as curfews. This move, part of a new trial by the Labor government, aims to give courts more power to track youths charged with serious crimes. However, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service has condemned the reversal of children's bail law, labeling it a betrayal. Additionally, a Victorian judge has raised concerns that the focus on youth crime may be influencing bail decisions for children. This legislative shift comes amid reports that the rate of youth crime in Victoria has hit a decade high, with police expressing concerns over the increasing number of violent crimes committed by children aged 10-17. Meanwhile, retail theft in Victoria has surged by 39%, a rise attributed by police to the cost of living crisis.
Retail theft jumps 39% in Victoria driven by cost-of-living crisis, say police https://t.co/WkDf1LcrqC
Theft crimes in Britain's rural areas soared by 22% last year, the latest data has revealed. Talk Today correspondent Nick Ellerby reports live from West Yorkshire, where local farmers are "unhappy with the lack of police action". @NickEllerby https://t.co/lo2PB1vmQh
Retail theft jumps 39% in Victoria driven by cost of living crisis, say police https://t.co/0Zqc0mARTB
The rate of youth crime in Victoria reached its highest level in a decade last year, as police express concerns over the number of children aged 10-17 committing violent crime. https://t.co/J5VWBeXZyI
Protect children from crime gangs, expert urges https://t.co/mQ9WILNie0
Kids are at high risk of identity theft, experts warn �� here’s how parents can protect them https://t.co/wW7ruqEjt3 https://t.co/Z4mTnmI75K
Focus on youth crime may be influencing bail decisions for children, Victorian judge says https://t.co/cWTRIkbsrE
Victoria has ditched plans to give children the presumption of bail – the state government’s second U-turn on the youth justice reform in months – and will trial electronic monitoring bracelets instead. https://t.co/38Mm62ru3i
‘A betrayal’: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service condemns children’s bail law reversal https://t.co/gnYr7lkymQ
Young criminals on bail in Victoria could soon be fitted with ankle monitors under proposed changes to a youth justice bill. https://t.co/3qPiAARJTB
Repeat youth offenders will be subjected to ankle bracelet monitoring under Labor’s new trial to ensure bail conditions, such as curfews, are not being breached. https://t.co/YhPlQT3nmB
Electronic monitoring devices would be fitted to kids as young as 14 in a major shake-up of Victoria’ youth bail laws, giving courts more power to track youths charged with serious crimes > https://t.co/UzpMGhXK3r https://t.co/kMMnAckREW