Paying cash for scrap metal will be banned and police won't need court orders to collect DNA from suspected criminals under proposed laws the Victorian government hopes will cut crime.
Victoria Police will also receive 214 additional cars with automatic number plate recognition technology and a new training facility for special operations commandos.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday launched Victoria's first community safety plan which sets out measures to crack down on crime.
"It's needed and it's going to set us up to continue to work together to fight crime and to keep Victorians safe," Mr Andrews told reporters in Melbourne.
The premier also announced a 24-hour help line for non-emergency calls that will handle the 30 per cent of calls to triple-zero that don't require an immediate response.
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Cash payments for scrap metal will be banned in a bid to stop car thefts and disrupt organised crime.
Opposition consumer affairs spokesman Russell Northe says drug addicts often steal older-model cars and sell them to unscrupulous wreckers for quick cash.
"NSW has banned cash payments for scrap metal and that seems to have been quite effective," he told AAP on Wednesday, adding "it should have been introduced some time ago".
Attorney-General Martin Pakula on Wednesday revealed that people aged 15 and over who are suspected of committing an indictable offence will soon be required to submit a DNA sample.
"Right now it is far more difficult for police to take DNA than it is to take fingerprints," Mr Pakula said.
"If the person is ultimately not charged, or if they are charged and acquitted, then that DNA sample will be destroyed."
The DNA change brings Victoria into line with other states.
The package of reforms comes as Labor pushes a law and order agenda as it grapples with a youth crime wave.
The government on Sunday announced a $2 billion recruitment of 2729 police - the largest increase in police numbers in the state's history.
The new laws and equipment are set to be delivered next year.
