A general picture of crime in Australia for 1900-77 shows that between the turn of the century and the end of World War II, the level of crime was reasonably static. From 1945 through 1977, the rate of criminal charges being brought more than doubled. The statistics, however, may reflect less an increase in crime than increased police activity and more accurate reporting of crime. Victim surveys show that slightly less than half of all offenses are reported to the police. This article presents narrative discussion and data that consider why crime victims do not report offenses to the police. Data and information pertinent to victim characteristics and offenses present the estimated incidence rate of car theft by key characteristics of the households in Australia, the estimated incidence rates for sexual incidents by key victim characteristics, and the incidence rates of other violent crimes by key victim characteristics. The proposed general strategy for crime prevention involves a detailed consideration of the law, the reduction of motivational opportunities for crime, and the provision of an efficient criminal justice system.