Recorded crime in Victoria remains 13.2 per cent higher than three years ago, with more than 624,000 offences in the past 12 months, according to new Crime Statistics Agency data.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said a Liberal and Nationals Government would restore community safety with 3,000 extra police on the beat, Adult Crime, Adult Time laws and a tougher bail system.
“After 12 years of Labor, Victorians don’t need a statistic to tell them crime is out of control. We see it in their main streets, their shops and their homes,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Bail and intervention order breaches are up four per cent to more than 87,000. Serious family violence assaults have jumped 15.8 per cent. Drug trafficking and dealing is up 18.5 per cent, and retail theft has topped 43,000 offences.
“These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are offences happening in our communities.
“In Benalla, there have been 195 breaches of family violence orders and 101 criminal damage offences recorded.
“In Strathbogie, there have been 74 theft offences and 54 criminal damage offences.
“In Mitchell, there have been 450 theft offences, 408 breaches of family violence orders and 363 criminal damage offences.
“And in Campaspe, there have been 297 breaches of family violence orders and 284 criminal damage offences.
“Every one of those numbers represents a victim, a business, a family or a member of our community who has been affected by crime.
Benalla and other local police stations have had their operations reduced, as well as Highway Patrol has been cut back under Labor.
“When someone in our towns calls for help, they need to know an officer is coming. Under Labor, that certainty is being eroded,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Liberals and Nationals will recruit 3,000 additional police and reopen more than 40 police stations that Labor has closed or cut back.
“We will deliver genuine Adult Crime, Adult Time, so offences like burglary, serious assault and attempted murder are dealt with in the County Court, and bring in a one-strike bail rule so reoffenders are automatically denied bail.
“Labor has spent over a decade putting offenders first. We will put victims of crime ahead of perpetrators. That’s the choice this November.”
