URGENT UPDATE: Youth crime in Wodonga has escalated dramatically, sparking significant concern among local businesses and residents. Latest data shows a staggering increase in youth offences, rising from 219 in 2024 to 424 in 2025. This alarming trend was discussed at a community safety forum held on October 22, 2025, at the German Austrian Australian Club, where local leaders gathered to address the crisis.
Business owners like Tanya Cox, manager of Treasure Hunter Wodonga, report dire consequences from rising theft. “We’ve lost three staff members due to incidents involving shoplifting,” Cox stated, highlighting the emotional toll on her team. She finds 10-15 empty packages of stolen goods daily, with losses amounting to hundreds of dollars each week.
The community is reeling from the growing presence of young offenders. “There’s no accountability or consequences,” said Wodonga resident Tony Boyd, who has witnessed the decline in safety over the past eight years. “Kids will go and trash your car or steal your car, and they know if they get caught, they’re going to get bail anyway.”
At the forefront of these discussions, David Southwick, the Opposition spokesperson for police, emphasized the urgent need to address truancy rates, which are among the highest in the state. “If there are kids dropping out of school, what can we do to keep them better engaged?” he asked, underscoring the link between youth disengagement and rising crime.
Cox has implemented strict measures to combat shoplifting, including prohibiting school uniformed students from entering the store in groups. Despite these efforts, she faces constant challenges, stating, “There’s a fear factor when confronting shoplifters. I don’t want my staff dealing with that, so I’m happy to take that on, but it’s tough.”
The atmosphere at the community forum was charged with urgency, as residents voiced their frustrations and fears. The discussion highlighted the need for immediate action from local authorities to tackle the growing tide of youth crime and restore a sense of safety in Wodonga.
As the community grapples with these pressing issues, all eyes are on local leaders to take decisive action. Residents are calling for more robust policies and accountability measures to ensure that young offenders face consequences for their actions.
The situation in Wodonga serves as a critical reminder of the challenges many communities face regarding youth crime and public safety. With local leaders responding to these urgent concerns, the community waits to see what steps will be taken next to address this escalating crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
