Wednesday, 5 March 2025

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:58): (1436) My constituency matter is for the Minister for Police. The Box Hill Athletic Club in my electorate has been repeatedly targeted by thieves, with sheds broken into and valuable equipment stolen. Criminals are using metal grinders to force entry, and members fear they are being scoped out in advance. The club is run by volunteers, like most are. It cannot claim insurance and must replace the stolen items through fundraising – again, it is unsustainable. Increased police patrols, better lighting and security cameras are urgently needed to deter further crime. Stronger penalties for the offenders are a must. In the past 12 months total offender incidents in Whitehorse have risen by 27.8 per cent, showing a clear need for stronger enforcement. I ask the minister: what additional resources are being provided to stop these criminals before they strike again and to improve community security for the wonderful Box Hill Athletic Club?