The Government must act immediately to combat increasing crime rates in the region, the Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad said there was great community concern following increased numbers of aggravated burglaries and car thefts in the Bendigo area.
“In Bendigo crime has increased by nearly 10 per cent in the last year, and the number of children committing crimes is skyrocketing.”
“We can listen to the police and lock our doors and garages at night, but the State Government also needs to take action to address rising crime rates.
A community meeting in Strathfieldsaye recently highlighted how concerned people are about the increasing crime figures. This followed the theft of multiple cars from a Strathfieldsaye housing estate and the theft of cars from Big Hill.
“I was told of an elderly gentleman in Bendigo who recently arrived home from hospital, only to be confronted by five thugs who stole three cars from his property.”
“Understandably he is frightened of being alone in his own home.”
Ms Broad said a recent fire at a tobacco shop in Bendigo had also caused great concern in the community.
This fire came on the back of a series of highly suspicious fires across Melbourne, and sparked fears that gang related crimes had spread to regional Victoria.
“Police are doing their part to get criminals off the streets, but we also need the laws to back them up.”
“Under Labor we’ve seen a weaking of bail laws, the identity of criminals protected, and police stations closing their doors.”
“There are currently more than 800 vacancies in Victoria Police, and 43 stations have reduced their opening hours.”
Ms Broad said the State Government needs to take action to increase police resources and ensure that appropriate laws are in place to keep our communities safe.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au