Retail theft has skyrocketed across Gippsland, with new figures showing a dramatic rise in shoplifting offences over the past financial year.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien highlighted that the latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals the criminal offence of “steal from a retail store” has jumped by more than 70 per cent across the three local government areas that make up the Gippsland South electorate over the last financial year.
“Retail theft has exploded in the Wellington Shire where it increased by more than 135 per cent in just 12 months,” Mr O’Brien said.
“In Latrobe there were more than a thousand retail thefts reported (1072) – up from 640 the previous financial year.”
Mr O’Brien said small businesses are the backbone of our local communities, yet they’re being smashed by rising crime, soaring costs and a government that’s gone missing on law and order.
“Under the Allan Labor Government, retail crime is out of control.
“Our local retailers are already struggling with high overheads, including increasing insurance premiums, energy costs and rents.
“They shouldn’t have to also bear the cost of Labor’s failure to get tough on crime.”
Mr O’Brien said only The Nationals have a plan to restore law and order and protect local businesses by introducing:
- Break Bail, Face Jail – real consequences for repeat and youth offenders.
- Jack’s Law – new powers and technology for police and PSOs to get knives off the streets.
- Youth diversion programs – to stop young people heading down the path of crime.
“Labor’s soft-on-crime approach has left shop owners frightened, frustrated and footing the bill.
“After nearly a decade of rising crime and declining accountability, it’s time for a government that will stand with small business and deliver the strong action Gippslanders deserve.
“Jacinta Allan can’t manage crime and it is our local retailers who are paying the price – not the offenders!”