The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is encouraging anyone that has experienced the impact of crime to reach out to her as she will be raising the local issues with the Minister for Police.
Reports of stolen vehicles in Violet Town, break-ins at farms near Benalla and Colbinabbin, robberies at the Murchison Community House, and property damage across several local towns have led residents to desperately post on community pages seeking information and assistance.
Ms Cleeland said it was important that regional voices were heard as crime continues to rise across the region.
“There has been a lack of action to protect our communities by the Allan Labor Government,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While crime continues to rise across our regional communities, they have buried their head in the sand and ignored our concerns.
“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.
“I want to hear from people in our community and make sure that these concerns are being sent directly to the Minister.
“Labor must acknowledge the impact these crimes are having on our towns, and the wellbeing of our residents.”
Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data revealed increases in criminal incidents across the Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Mitchell, Strathbogie, and Benalla local government areas.
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.”
Ms Cleeland can be contacted at Annabelle.cleeland@parliament.vic.gov.au or by calling (03) 5762 1600.
