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Pressing need for urgent action to combat surging crime rates in Latrobe Valley revealed by recent data

Recent data reveals a pressing need for urgent action to combat the surging crime rates in Latrobe Valley, emphasising the necessity of enhanced police presence and resources, urging the government to address this issue promptly.

By news@gippsland - 22nd December 2023 - Back to News

New data has confirmed urgent intervention is required to address the skyrocketing crime rate in the Latrobe Valley, according to The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron. Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show criminal incidents in the Latrobe local government area for the year to September 30 are up 13.6% compared with last year. In the town of Morwell, criminal incidents have spiked a massive 25% this year.

Crime Statistics Agency data indicates a 13.6% rise in Latrobe's criminal incidents and a 25% surge specifically in Morwell

Police resource concerns

Mr Cameron said, "These figures are really concerning and highlight the importance of a strong police presence in regional communities. Our police officers have been lobbying the Labor government for improved working conditions and adequate resources for good reason. We have a problem with antisocial and criminal behaviour in town centres and it is having a disastrous impact on small business and community safety."

"This is a very complex and multi-faceted issue, and I acknowledge there are many other contributing societal factors at play, particularly when it comes to young people. Our police are not just law enforcement officers - they conduct youth outreach programs, link with local services to provide referrals, and work tirelessly to support disengaged youth - all these things help build confidence and foster positive relationships and behaviours."

"Last month I met with Police Minister, Anthony Carbines, and highlighted the need for more police and PSO resources across the Latrobe Valley. I hope the Labor government is taking note of these statistics and will take definitive action to address this very real problem," Mr Cameron said.

Pictures from Eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Council seeks community feedback on updated rating strategy ensuring fair property rates distribution
  Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on its updated Rating Strategy, ensuring fair distribution of rates across property types and considering a pensioner waste rebate before February 2026.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• East Gippsland Shire Council reminds residents financial support options exist for ratepayers experiencing hardship to pay rates and charges
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds residents struggling to pay rates that support is available through its Hardship Policy, offering flexible payments, deferrals, possible waivers, and face-to-face assistance in local towns.
• Community feedback supports retaining Moe Gardens Caravan Park as affordable short-stay accommodation in Latrobe City
  Latrobe City Council received 223 community submissions supporting Moe Gardens Caravan Park’s retention as low-cost accommodation, with a report on its future to return to Council February 2026.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
  Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• 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.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Life Saving Victoria 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals alarming increases, with 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents
  Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents, exceeding 10-year averages, with rises among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and during traditionally cooler months.
• Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
  Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally.
• Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.