News

Crime trending up in Moira communities

Monday 2 October 2017

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the latest crime statistics for Cobram and Yarrawonga reflect community concern regarding increasing crime and the need for a greater police presence in Moira Shire.

Mr McCurdy said the statistics released by the Crime Statistics Agency showed an alarming increase in crime in local communities.

“In Cobram theft has skyrocketed between June 2016 and June 2017 from 120 to 213, a 77.5 per cent increase, Mr McCurdy said.

“Crimes against the person increased 20.5 per cent from 73 to 88 while total crime has increased 35.5 per cent from 470 to 637.”

Between June 2016 and June 2017 in Yarrawonga, the total number of crimes against the person increased 24.2 per cent from 62 to 77.

Property and deception offences have increased 32.1 per cent, to 243, up for 184 the year before. Total crime has increased 38 per cent from 347 to 479 in the past 12 months.

“I continue to work with the Cobram and Yarrawonga communities regarding the need for a 24-hour police station in the Moira Shire,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Police resourcing is being neglected in our country communities under Labor as these statistics show.

“Cobram and Yarrawonga residents are entitled to adequate law enforcement and these statistics show the absolute need for that. The crime rate has been growing steadily in Moira since December 2014.”

Mr McCurdy said the latest statistics showed an alarming rise in violent crime across Victoria.

“Violent crime is on the rise – that is what worries our community. That is what keeps our community awake at night,” he said.

“Daniel Andrews must adopt the Liberal-Nationals tough mandatory sentencing policy to stop the revolving door of soft justice and sentencing under his Melbourne-centric Labor Government.

“Repeat violent offenders should serve mandatory jail times, not be out in the community committing more violent crimes.”