Rising crime rates around closed Pakenham police station

Shadow Police Minister, Edward O’Donohue

Background

Pakenham’s 24-hour police station was forced to close its doors to the public due to a lack of police numbers.

Security shutters were pulled down over the front counter on 4 November, preventing local residents from gaining assistance from their local police.

The latest crime statistics shows there has been a sharp rise in crime figures in the areas serviced by the Pakenham police station.

There were 4,013 offences reported in Pakenham in 2014/15, up 10.4% over the year. (Source: Crime Statistics Agency)

There were 6,174 offences reported in Cardinia LGA (includes Pakenham), up 5.1 per cent over the year.

There were 19,253 offences reported in the Casey LGA, up 19.9 per cent over the year.

News of the closure of Pakenham police stations follows confirmation the Ashburton station is being closed five days a week and the new Somerville police station will not be open to the public.

Comments from the Shadow Police Minister Edward O’Donohue:

Local residents are paying the price because Daniel Andrews has put the budget into deficit and can’t afford one additional police officer.

Crime in the Pakenham area has risen by more than 10 per cent over the past year.

Labor is failing to protect the people of the Cardinia Shire which is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Victoria.
Media contact: Michelle Zydower  0423 028 564     michelle.zydower@opposition.vic.gov.au