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Danny O'Brien calls for stronger bail laws and police support due to aggravated burglaries surge across South Gippsland

Aggravated burglaries in South Gippsland have surged from one to 23 in a year, prompting renewed calls from MP Danny O'Brien for bail law reform and stronger police support.

By news@gippsland - 16th May 2025 - Back to News

Concern is mounting as recent data shows aggravated residential burglary continues to rise throughout South Gippsland. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien highlighted that he had raised his concerns in Parliament six months ago when crime data released by the Crime Statistics Agency first reflected this alarming trend.

Danny O'Brien highlighted concerns on retail burglaries rising across Gippsland South, with South Gippsland up 17%, Latrobe 28%, and Wellington surging 79%, urging for stronger bail laws

Aggravated burglaries surge

Mr O'Brien said, "The crime data released in September last year showed aggravated burglaries across South Gippsland were up from just one a year to 15. The latest data has now seen that number jump to 23 in the past 12 months. I never imagined there would come a time when I would be saying that aggravated burglaries were occurring in South Gippsland at a rate of almost twice a month!"

"I've spoken to local police and we know that a large number of these offences have been committed by a small cohort who have been repeatedly bailed and have subsequently re-offended under Labor's weak bail laws. Our local police do their best but they are let down by a government that hasn't supported them with the necessary resources and a revolving door justice system," he said.

Tackling rising crime

Mr O'Brien highlighted that we are now seeing a similar trend emerge with regard to retail burglaries which have also increased by 17 percent in the South Gippsland Shire. "This is a very concerning trend that we are seeing reflected right across Gippsland South with retail burglaries also up 28 percent in Latrobe and a massive 79 percent in the Wellington Shire."

"It is extremely frustrating to see these numbers continue to skyrocket while our local police work hard to keep these criminals off the streets, only to see them not only back reoffending in a manner of weeks but boasting about it on social media," he said.

Mr O'Brien said it was clear that real change was needed at the state government level if we want to see a change in this growing trend. "It is clear that the Allan Labor government cannot manage crime or bail laws, and it is regional communities like those in Gippsland South that are paying the price."

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
  Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene.
• Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
  Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.