Tuesday, 29 October 2024

 Jess WILSON (Kew) (14:55): (868) My question is for the Minister for Crime Prevention. Has the minister considered conducting a review into safety at shopping strips in Kew with a view to installing CCTV where necessary? Shop theft is up 31 per cent in Boroondara and aggravated burglary up 65 per cent. Over recent weeks we have seen multiple break-ins at shops in Kew Junction, Balwyn North village and the Greythorn shops. Windows have been smashed, cash registers have been stolen and shops have been forced to close. The Greythorn Dry Cleaners shopfront was rammed with a truck and the ATM stolen, losing Michael days of business. Minister, it is hard enough trying to run a small business in this state without also having to grapple with theft or even armed robberies. As the government continues to ignore the rising crime rates in this state, installing CCTV at shopping strips across the electorate of Kew is the least the government could do to deter crime and help the traders and their customers feel safe once again.