Crime has skyrocketed in Bendigo in the past year according to statistics just released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).
The CSA found in Bendigo in the 12 months to 30 September 2024:
- Stealing from retail stores has doubled
- Aggravated robbery is up 69 per cent
- Residential aggravated burglary has risen by a whopping 89 per cent; and
- Motor vehicle thefts are up 50 per cent.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle broad said the figures were shocking.
“These figures are part of a massive 50 per cent increase in total offences in the past 10 years, since Labor came to office,” Ms Broad said.
“In the past year more than 550 homes have been burgled in Greater Bendigo alone, leaving local residents feeling violated and afraid,” she said.
“I’ve been contacted by residents who are very concerned about the attacks on retail stores, homes being broken into and cars being stolen.
“Some have called Triple Zero only to wait too long for police to come. In some cases, ambulances have not been available, and friends and family have driven loved ones to hospital in desperation.
“There are currently over 1000 vacancies in Victoria Police, and more police leaving than coming in. Just last month we saw Bendigo police walk off the job in frustration at their treatment by the Allan Labor Government.
“On the same day that data was released showing crime is at record levels across the state, Labor scrapped the role of Minister for Crime Prevention.
“There is now no Minister responsible for initiatives to make Victoria a safer place to live and work. In the past two years the Labor Government has cut Crime Prevention programs by 46%, cut funding for proactive police programs, and cut the Specialist Crime Prevention Unit.
“Victorians are less safe than they ever have been, and the police force deserve more resources.”
Ms Broad recently raised the issue of Bendigo crime in Parliament, asking what the Government is doing to address it.
Question 1197 – Northern Victoria Region (Constituency Questions) – Parliament of Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au