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Gippsland communities demand more police amid rising crime as Danny O'Brien submits 2,324-signature petition for action

Amidst rising crime rates in Gippsland, locals have rallied for increased police presence. Danny O'Brien, Nationals Member, submitted a petition with 2,324 signatures urging action against escalating crime.

By news@gippsland - 30th May 2024 - Back to News

Local communities have backed calls for increased police presence throughout Gippsland amidst escalating crime rates in the area. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien has tabled a petition with 2,324 signatures calling for greater police presence and resources following the Allan Labor government's failure to combat a growing crime rate right across the region.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien with Fish Creek local Terry Ryan who helped gather 2,324 signatures on a petition calling on the Allan Labor government to increase police presence and resources in Gippsland

Police resources lacking

Mr O'Brien said, "The lack of police presence in our local communities is often top of mind for locals when I am out and about in the electorate. I launched this petition in February, so to see over two thousand signatures in such a short time is a real indication of the level of concern in the community. Our local police do an amazing job with the limited resources available to them, but it is clear that they are overworked, understaffed and under-resourced."

Mr O'Brien said he was compelled to launch the petition following reports of a spate of crime throughout the electorate, and concerns from the community, including Fish Creek local Terry Ryan who helped distribute the petition in South Gippsland.

"We've recently seen a spate of break-ins including the supermarket in Meeniyan, the Yanakie Motocross Club, Aherns Fruit Market in Foster and the Fish Creek Football Netball Clubrooms which were also burnt to the ground," Mr O'Brien said.

Rising crime rates

Mr O'Brien also said, "On top of that, statistics from Crime Statistics Agency Victoria prove criminal incidents are on the rise across all three municipalities that form Gippsland South - South Gippsland, Wellington and Latrobe."

"Car break-ins across Latrobe City have risen more than 50 per cent over the last 12 months, while criminal damage continues to spike across both Wellington and South Gippsland Shires. This is in addition to hoon driving and other anti-social behaviour which continues to plague our small country communities," he said. Mr O'Brien said it is clear that a greater police presence is crucial to deter would-be criminals.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com