Crime Stoppers Victoria is working with young Victorians to combat increased rates of youth violence by asking them to ‘Share If You Care’ in a new campaign.

According to Crime Statistics Data, there has been an increase in serious and violent offenses committed by individuals aged 14 to 17.

6,433 crimes against a person were recorded in the past 12 months to end of March 2024. 

This initiative, developed in collaboration with students from Lyndhurst Secondary College, is encouraging young Victorians to take action and change the narrative surrounding violence. The new campaign is asking young people to share footage on their phones with Crime Stoppers, while staying unknown.

Students at Lyndhurst SC were adamant that not all young people are involved in violence, with many wanting to make a difference. They asked, “What if that was you, what if it was your family, what if it was your friends. Wouldn’t you like someone to do something about it?”

Crime Stoppers will further empower young people in the fight against crime by taking the campaign to schools. Resources will be available for students, parents and guardians to help with the tough conversations regarding youth violence.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith wants young people to know, “It doesn’t matter who you are, the question is, who are you protecting by not sharing what you know? Crime Stoppers gives you a way to speak up without fear.”

“Young people can easily put in an online report and share images and videos they already have on their phones. Online reporting also allows them to share content they may be seeing on social media” Ms. Smith said.

66% of reports to Crime Stoppers Victoria are made online which shows people want to make a difference and be a part of the solution.

Ms. Smith explains, “Providing information to Crime Stoppers can make a huge difference and possibly change the outcome of an investigation, all while staying unknown.”