The Allan Labor Government must do more to combat increasing car theft and other crimes in the Bendigo area, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad said she had spoken to a local woman whose family was asleep when their house was broken into, and their car was stolen.
“She told me that detectives are beyond frustrated as teens go to court, are let off and are back on the streets within 24 hours, stealing again,” Ms Broad said.
“Every day cars are being stolen, and police do not have the resources to keep up.
“Some offenders are just 14 years of age and drive at high speeds. Their reckless behaviour is putting others at risk. If a car is found, it is often damaged beyond repair.
“This week I saw burnout tyre marks on a main residential street in Flora Hill right in front of people’s homes.
“The Stolen Cars Melbourne Facebook page has over 83,000 followers, with countless posts about cars and trailers being stolen, including another vehicle stolen from the Kangaroo Flat train station.”
“The Labor government weakened bail laws in March this year.
“There are over 1000 vacancies in Victoria Police and police from regional areas are being called to assist with rising protests in Melbourne.
“I ask, what is the state government doing to address this issue?
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage to support our police, and yet again regional Victorians are paying the price.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 4436 4777