The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, says more must be done to address crime in regional Victoria after recent statistics showed yet another large spike in criminal behaviour across the region.
Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data for the year ending September 2024 has revealed major increases in criminal behaviour across all six of the Euroa electorate’s council areas.
These increases include the number of total criminal incidents, offences recorded, and incidents of family violence.
“The Allan Labor Government has failed to provide enough support to our police, and now we are dealing with the consequences,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While entire stations are walking off the job as they seek a fairer deal, crime is up across the board.
“It is simply unacceptable that a lack of resourcing and support by this government can be allowed to impact the safety of our towns and residents who are trying to do the right thing.
“Labor’s continual under-resourcing of Victoria Police must stop to ensure rising crime is addressed as a matter of priority.”
Ms Cleeland said many regional Victorians were feeling unsafe due to the Allan Labor Government’s continued under-resourcing of Victoria Police, which has led to 1000 police vacancies, 900 officers off duty due to illness and injury, and the closure of 43 police stations.
As a result, the Mitchell Shire saw an alarming 31.9 per cent increase in total criminal incidents, with 851 more incidents than the previous year and more crime recorded in towns such as Seymour, Kilmore, and Broadford.
Offences recorded in the region were also far higher this year, with a 26.7 per cent increase, while Family Violence incidents spiked 23.6 per cent.
In Benalla, total criminal incidents increased by 11.6 per cent compared to the previous year, with 117 more incidents. There was a 22.8 per cent rise in the number of offences recorded.
In Strathbogie, there was a 34.1 per cent increase in the number of criminal incidents (137 more than last year), with more incidents recorded in all of Euroa, Nagambie, Avenel, and Violet Town.
Offences recorded saw in Strathbogie saw a 34.7 per cent increase, while family violence incidents rose by 17.8 per cent.
Total criminal incidents also rose by 16.1 per cent in Greater Shepparton, 13.3 per cent in Greater Bendigo, and 1.9 per cent in the Campaspe Shire. Offences recorded rose by 8.2 per cent in Greater Shepparton, 14.1 per cent in Greater Bendigo, and 11.1 per cent in Campaspe.
Family violence incidents increased by 28.1 per cent in Greater Shepparton, 6.7 per cent in Greater Bendigo, and 5.9 per cent in Campaspe.
“Community safety should never be compromised due to an incompetent government,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It’s time the Allan Labor Government stepped up and took real action to protect Victorians.”
