‘We are very concerned’: Acting top cop admits increase in violent carjackings

Victoria’s Acting Police Chief Commissioner has denied there is a carjacking epidemic gripping Melbourne, despite an 80 per cent increase.

The number of carjackings has risen from 95 to 171 in the past year to March, including five in the past week alone.

Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Victorians should still feel safe, despite the increase.

‘When you look at the numbers in respect to carjackings, aggravated burglaries it isn’t an epidemic by any stage of the game,’ he said.

Several police taskforces are investigating the recent spate of carjackings.

But Acting Chief Commissioner Patton said police were working with the government around new laws to tackle carjackings.

‘We are very concerned with the level of violence,’ he said.

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