The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) has welcomed the commencement of Victoria’s tough new laws and penalties for vehicle ram-raids, including ram-raids being upgraded to an aggravated burglary offence.
This comes a few months after the Premier of Victoria announced new laws that crack down on retail crime, with many of the laws coming into effect today.
Ram raiding will now be recognised as aggravated burglary, carrying a higher maximum penalty of 25 years.
The SCCA welcomed the Government’s announcement of progressing with this new law in November 2025.
“The Victorian Government’s strong new vehicle ram-raid law sends a clear signal that this dangerous and violent behaviour will not be tolerated, and that it has serious consequences”, SCCA CEO Angus Nardi said.
“Vehicle ram-raiding is a frightening and dangerous crime that puts customers and workers in retail settings at risk and causes significant damage to property and businesses.
“Our industry welcomes laws that give Victoria Police stronger tools to help protect workers, customers and the community.”