A series of frightening incidents in Kyneton and Gisborne has highlighted the need for proper resources and support for Victoria Police, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad recently visited businesses in Kyneton and spoke with local residents who were deeply concerned about increased crime and reduced hours at the local police station.
“One business told me about seven break-ins on one day in Kyneton. I was told it is increasingly challenging for retail staff, who are facing a high number of violent and verbally abusive people coming in,” Ms Broad said.
“I spoke with a mum who told me about her young daughter who was working at the local IGA store before Christmas when a man came into the store saying he had a machete up his shirt. The manager wrestled him to the ground and restrained him. He had a knife, but it took 45 minutes for police to get there to assist when the local station is just five minutes away.
“That same family had a motorbike stolen from their locked shed.
“Another local resident, who has been robbed eight times, also spoke about the high rate of crime in Gisborne which saw the Telstra store close its doors.”
“The latest crime data shows that in the past year total criminal incidents in the Macedon Ranges increased by 21 per cent. It does not matter if you live in Kyneton, Gisborne, Woodend, Riddells Creek or Macedon, crime has gone up.
“In 2023 reception counter hours were reduced at 43 stations with the expectation that Victoria Police would continue to recruit to fill current vacancies. Well, it is now 2026 and since then, when Jacinta Allan became Premier, the number of police has actually gone backwards.
“Crime is at an all-time high, with over 640,000 offences recorded in the 12 months to September 2025. Nearly half of those cases remain unsolved.
“With more crime, less police and stations still operating on reduced hours, crimes go unreported or unsolved, and ultimately community safety is being eroded.
“The government must ensure Victoria Police have the resources they need to do their job, more police on the streets and stations that are open,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
