The crime rate continues to rise in Gippsland while the Allan Labor Government remains locked in a war with our police force.
Crime data released yesterday shows the number of offences recorded in Wellington Shire rose 13.7 per cent in the year to September while there was a 10.1 per cent increase in South Gippsland and 6.1 per cent in Latrobe City.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said community safety continued to be at threat under the Allan Labor Government.
“We’ve seen a continuation of the increase in crime in our region, with the number of offences in South Gippsland Shire up 10 per cent year-on-year and up 72 per cent in the 10 years Labor has been in office.
“There was a disturbing increase in the number of aggravated burglaries in the Shire, up from just 1 to 15 and a 71 per cent increase in motor vehicle thefts.
“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.
“In Wellington Shire crime has increased 23 per cent under 10 years of Labor.
“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.”
Earlier this year Mr O’Brien tabled a petition in State Parliament containing almost 2,500 signatures calling for improved police resources and presence in Gippsland.