Hotbeds of crime: New stats reveal alarming increase in hospital violence

FIRST ON 3AW

New statistics show an alarming and disproportionate increase in violent crime at Victoria’s hospitals.

The figures, obtained and released by the state opposition, show a:

• 33% increase in overall crime in hospitals 2014-2017
• 41% increase in assaults in hospitals since 2014 (compared to 16% increase in broader community)
• Four homicides at Victorian hospitals in 2017

The most regularly reported crimes are theft (533), assault (403) and property damage (151).

Shadow Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the statistics undermine Daniel Andrews’s promise to make health workers safety.

And she used the figures to press the Coalition’s case for mandatory sentencing.