The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said community safety is being eroded in the Latrobe Valley as crime continues to spiral out of control under the Allan Labor Government.
The latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows there was a 6 per cent spike in the number of offences recorded in the Latrobe local government area last year, while police resources have taken a hit.
“With 1500 fewer cops on the beat, more than 40 stations operating on reduced hours and a $50 million reduction in Victoria Police’s budget, Labor’s crime crisis is only set to worsen,” Mr Cameron said.
“Moe police station is now only open to the public during certain hours, despite the fact criminal incidents spiked a massive 30.7 per cent in the town last year.
“This is a direct consequence of Labor’s failure to properly resource our hard-working police force.
“It also means crime is going unreported or unsolved, and ultimately community safety is being eroded.”
Mr Cameron pointed to a concerning rise in retail theft as having a disastrous impact on small businesses already doing it tough.
“Local businesses are being held to ransom, and theft from retail stores across the Valley skyrocketed a whopping 53 per cent last year,” he said.
Relaxed bail laws and Labor’s refusal to put the safety of Victorians ahead of the rights of recidivist offenders had exacerbated the crisis, according to Mr Cameron.
“Communities in every corner of the state, people across the political divide, our police officers and our first responders – we have all had enough of Labor’s soft approach on crime,” he said.
“While Premier Allan cuts prevention programs and oversees weak bail laws, The Nationals and Liberals have a clear plan to restore community safety.
“The Safer Communities Plan will deliver tough new laws alongside practical prevention programs that will make a difference in every regional community, building on the Break Bail, Face Jail policy – ensuring there are consequences for all offenders.”
