25-Year Jail Threat For Ram Raiders

Tough new penalties for ram-raiding offences come into effect across Victoria from 16 March, with offenders now facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Under the changes, anyone who uses a vehicle to smash into a building — including retail premises — can be charged with aggravated burglary, significantly increasing the potential penalty. The offence is also now captured under “Adult Time for Violent Crime” provisions introduced in February, meaning offenders may face adult-level consequences regardless of age.

Ram-raiding, which involves using a vehicle to force entry into a building to steal, damage property or commit an assault, has previously been prosecuted under existing offences such as theft or burglary. The updated laws introduce a specific and more serious charge, aimed at reflecting the impact these incidents have on businesses and workers.

The changes come alongside broader legal updates introduced in recent months, including penalties of up to five years in jail for assaulting or threatening customer-facing workers, and up to six months for lower-level abuse. These protections extend to a wide range of roles, including retail, hospitality, transport and delivery workers.

Workplace Protection Orders are also being developed, which could allow individuals who commit violent acts against workers to be banned from specific premises.

However, questions remain about whether tougher penalties alone are reducing offending. Recent incidents across Melbourne’s west continue to involve stolen vehicles, youth offenders and repeat criminal behaviour, raising concerns about enforcement and deterrence.

The introduction of new offences follows earlier measures such as increased bail reforms and high-profile initiatives like the machete disposal bins, which were aimed at reducing violent crime. Critics argue that despite these efforts, serious incidents are still occurring, prompting debate about whether current strategies are having the intended effect.

Investigations into ram-raiding incidents remain ongoing, with police continuing to target offenders involved in organised and opportunistic attacks across the state.