News

Police | September 29, 2016

Crime in Lowan up under Labor

Crime across the Lowan electorate has risen by up to 43 per cent in the past 18 months, new statistics from Victoria’s Crime Statistics Agency has revealed.

In the Agency’s annual report, released on Thursday, Yarriambiack LGA recorded a 43.84 per cent increase in crime between December 2014 and June 2016 – the third highest in the state.

Hindmarsh council area saw an increase of nearly 30 per cent in the same time frame, while Horsham LGA had an increase of nearly 20 per cent.

“The state’s crime rate has continued to rise – crime across Yarriambiack council area was listed as the third highest increase in the state since December 2014,” Ms Kealy said.

“Daniel Andrews has cut our frontline police numbers, taken a soft on crime approach and closed local stations, most recently we have seen a lack of resources force the temporary closure of the station at Kaniva” she said.

In Horsham, crime against the person, which includes assault, increased 32.4 per cent from 377 to 499 offences between June 2015 and June 2016. In Warracknabeal crimes against the person doubled.

Drug offences in Horsham increased 81 per cent in the same time frame.

“Our police are doing their best in difficult circumstances, but these shocking increases cannot be ignored,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Andrews Labor Government must support our hardworking local police and provide them with the additional resources they need” she said.