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Rising crime rates in Gippsland shows Victoria Labor government needs to boost rural police presence and resources

O'Brien, argues that insufficient police resources are contributing to this problem and that the government's urban-focused approach is neglecting rural community safety.

By news@gippsland - 19th October 2023 - Back to News

The Labor government is being urged to focus on increasing police presence in Gippsland following the release of recent crime statistics. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said that the data provided clear evidence that crime across Gippsland has been steadily rising since Labor formed government in 2014, with particular concern about South Gippsland Shire.

Action is urged to adequately staff and resource country police stations to address this concerning trend of rising crime rates in Gippsland

Criminal incidents surge

Mr O'Brien said, "The number of criminal incidents has risen across all three local governments that form my electorate since Labor came to government. Crime in South Gippsland Shire has risen by 66.6 per cent over the past nine years while Wellington Shire has increased 11.7 per cent and Latrobe City has risen 9.7 percent."

"In recent months I have been contacted by numerous constituents in South Gippsland with concerns about crime, including burglary, theft and hoon driving. I know local police are struggling with poor resourcing," he said.

Rural safety concerns

Mr O'Brien said it was clear that the Labor government's continued focus on the city was coming at the expense of community safety in country areas. "I've been campaigning for some time for better police presence in our communities and have joined with community members in places such as Loch, Korumburra and Mirboo North to advocate for better staffing of our local stations."

"These crime figures are alarming and should send a clear message to the government that action is needed. I am regularly contacted by constituents who feel a lack of police presence in their community is leading to increased hoon driving and other anti-social behaviour.

"I have always said that our local police do a great job under significant pressure, but they are clearly stretched and it is unfortunate that the government seems to think that these areas can be left to their own devices. The government must act now to ensure our country's police stations are adequately staffed and resourced to deter crime in our communities and put a stop to this concerning trend," he said.

Pictures from Victoria Police Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com