The Victorian government has introduced tougher penalties for ram raiding, a crime that has caused growing concern among retailers and communities.
Speaking at Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, Victoria’s attorney general Sonya Kilkenny announced that new laws targeting the offence have now come into effect.
Ram raiding involves criminals using a vehicle to smash into a building — often a shopfront — to steal goods or cause damage.
Maximum penalty of 25 years
Under the new legislation, offenders caught committing a ram raid will be charged with aggravated burglary.
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
Previously, police often laid charges such as burglary, theft or driving offences.
Kilkenny said the new laws ensure the seriousness of the crime is properly reflected.
“Ram raiding is violent, it is dangerous and it is highly traumatising for retail workers and also for community and businesses,” she said.
Youth offenders will face tougher courts
The new policy also connects ram raiding offences to Victoria’s “adult time for violent crime” laws.
These laws came into force earlier in 2026.
Under the changes, young offenders accused of ram raids can now be tried in the County Court rather than the Children’s Court.
The Children’s Court has a maximum penalty of three years, while the County Court can impose much harsher sentences.
Background to the crackdown
The announcement was made at Forest Hill shopping centre, the location of a high-profile ram raid in 2024.
In that incident, thieves used an SUV to smash through the centre’s glass entry doors before ramming several shopfronts and stealing items, including a safe.
Authorities say the tougher penalties aim to deter organised retail crime and protect workers and businesses.
Police will now have clearer powers to charge offenders with more serious crimes when vehicles are used in these attacks.