Tuesday, 7 March 2023

 Michael O’BRIEN (Malvern) (12:58): I bring to the attention of Parliament and in particular the Minister for Police the concerns of my Malvern community regarding an increase in local crime. In particular there has been a jump in reports of burglaries, including aggravated burglaries, in my community. Families who experience criminals breaking into their homes while they are home, often while they are sleeping, experience massive distress. The effect on neighbours is also significant, as people wonder if they will be targeted next. We have had report after report of serious break-ins in Malvern, Malvern East, Armadale, Toorak and Glen Iris in recent weeks. Crime Statistics Agency data shows that while the crime rate in Victoria fell last year, the crime rate in Stonnington jumped. Malvern East alone has seen an 11.9 per cent increase. The officers at Malvern police station do a wonderful job, but I say to the minister they simply need more resources to keep us safe. My community wants to see more police units patrolling the streets, deterring crime and arresting those who are undermining the security of my community. It is vital that the Andrews Labor government act now.