The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) confirm that crime in Victoria is worsening, with Mildura now recording the fifth highest rate of criminal incidents in the state, up 5.5 per cent.
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, said local families and communities are struggling to feel safe under the Labor Government.
“Serious offences continue to climb, and residents are paying the price for Labor’s inaction, cuts, and weak policing policies,” Ms Benham said.
Crime across Victoria has reached record levels, with a new offence recorded every 49.4 seconds. Regional communities are feeling the impact, with crime surging across the state.
“Labor continues to withdraw vital funding, leaving our communities at risk. Youth crime prevention funding has been slashed from nearly $13 million a year to just $541,000 over the past three years. On top of that, Labor has cut $50 million from the police budget and left 2,000 frontline vacancies unfilled,” Ms Benham said.
“Weak bail laws, unfilled police vacancies, and cuts to frontline services mean criminals face almost no consequences, while families continue to suffer.”
The CSA reports that in the Mildura Local Government Area (LGA), serious assault has risen by 29 per cent and prohibited weapons offences by 34 per cent. Worryingly, significant increases have also been recorded across smaller municipalities in the electorate: residential aggravated burglary is up 217 per cent in Swan Hill LGA, and 300 per cent in Yarriambiack LGA. In Buloke LGA, motor vehicle theft has increased by 183 per cent, theft from a motor vehicle by 121 per cent, and prohibited weapons offences 200 per cent.
“Labor has abandoned key crime prevention programs. Crime is spiralling, and families in the Mildura electorate and across Victoria deserve to feel safe at home and in their communities,” Ms Benham said.
“The Nationals and Liberals will be tough on crime. Our Safer Communities Plan is focused on delivering results across Victoria. It includes tougher laws, stronger support for local police, and targeted programs to divert young people away from crime.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our crime crisis, and regional Victorians are paying the price,” Ms Benham said.
