Inspection of Victoria Police data shows that females proceeded against account for an increasing volume of crime, and have higher offending rates over 1960\2-1979. The bulk of female offences remain in the property area and in particular theft from shops accounts for most female activity. Changes in retail security procedures may explain some of the increase and that, in turn, may follow from a belief about the aims of the women's movement. The similarity of these findings with American results is noted.
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