More than two-thirds of Australians polled in a new survey think youth gang crime has increased over the last few years.
The Essential poll, released on Tuesday, shows 70 per cent of the 1000 people quizzed think youth gang crime and drug-related crime (76 per cent) have increased.
Nearly 50 per cent think youth gang crime has increased a lot, with nearly three-quarters of Liberal-National voters perceiving a rise and 86 per cent of supporters of independent parties.
The results follow weeks of political furore over youth crime, especially in Victoria.
Multicultural Minister Alan Tudge - who holds a seat in Melbourne - echoed the comments of Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Tuesday, who said some people in the Victorian capital were afraid to go out at night.
"I certainly know there are great many people who are scared about these African gangs," Mr Tudge told Sky News.
"I have many, many people who say to me that they are concerned about going out at night."
Those polled in the Essential survey nominated drug-related crime and domestic violence as the two most important types of crime the government should address.
More than 50 per cent also agreed youth gang crime should be addressed.
A majority believed all crimes have increased over the past few years.
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