Victoria Police has today published its latest crime statistics.

The statistics compare the 12 months to March 2014 with the 12 months to March 2013.

The overall recorded crime rate across the state has increased by five per cent, measured as a rate per 100,000 of the population which is standard across Australia. The total number of offences recorded is up by 7.1 per cent (up 28,732 offences to a total of 434,497 offences).

Crime against the person has increased by 0.7 per cent as a rate per 100,000 population. In this category, assaults are up 0.3 per cent. Robbery is down 12.7 per cent and assault excluding family violence is down 2.5 per cent.

Crime against property has increased by two per cent as a rate per 100,000 population, with theft from motor vehicle up 3.4 per cent. Property damage is down 5.8 per cent and residential burglaries down 5.2 per cent.

Drug offences have increased by 15.5 per cent as a rate per 100,000 population.

Other crimes have increased by 19 per cent as a rate per 100,000 population, with the main driver being offences such as breaches of intervention orders.

Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan said the rise in crime rates could be attributed to more justice procedure offences and drug offences.

However, a rise in deceptions, in the property crime category, was also impacting on overall crime rates, with an increase of around 11,600 offences over the past 12 months.

The local area commanders in charge of each police service area have provided a written commentary accompanying the statistics. To view them visit My Place at http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/my-place