The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, says more support must be provided to local police officers due to the alarming rise of break-ins and theft across the region.
Reports of stolen vehicles in Violet Town, break-ins at farms near Benalla and Colbinabbin, and property damage across several local towns have led residents to desperately post on community pages seeking information and assistance.
“Instead of repeatedly denying the crime problem in Victoria, this government should be doing more to protect our communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We are seeing our police officers having to hold meetings with concerned locals, other groups of residents have created neighbourhood watch groups, and more and more towns are feeling the impact of increased criminal activity.
“While people in our towns are doing their best to keep everyone safe, Labor are failing to acknowledge the spike in crime and support our police.
“Labor can’t manage community safety and Victorians are paying the price.”
Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data revealed increases in criminal incidents, offences recorded, and alleged offender incidents across the Mitchell, Strathbogie, and Benalla local government areas.
In Benalla, there was an 8 per cent rise in total criminal incidents, with the number of incidents more than 24 per cent higher than the statewide average.
There was also a 12 per cent increase in the number of offences recorded (36 per cent above the state average), and a 22 per cent increase in offender incidents.
In the Mitchell Shire, total criminal incidents rose by 27.5 per cent in the last year, with a particular rise of incidents in Seymour and Broadford.
Offences recorded went up by 24.7 per cent to go with a 25.2 per cent rise in alleged offender incidents. There was also an alarming 21.5 per cent rise in family violence incidents, with the number of recorded incidents 50 per cent higher than the state average.
In the Strathbogie Shire, total criminal incidents rose by 23 per cent, offences recorded increased by 14.8 per cent, and offender incidents went up 16.5 per cent.
Ms Cleeland said Labor had failed to keep regional communities safe by properly supporting and resourcing police officers.
“Despite the alarming rise in crime across our communities, we are seeing pay disputes drag on and police not being given the support they need to keep our towns safe,” Ms Cleeland said.
“For months, the Allan Labor Government has mismanaged negotiations and failed to act in good faith to secure a fair pay deal for frontline Victoria Police officers.
“You can see the messages the local police are writing on their cars. They make it very clear that they are not getting enough help under this government.
“Labor’s continual under-resourcing of Victoria Police must stop to ensure rising crime is addressed as a matter of priority.”
