The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe said that crime continues to rise across the Shepparton District as local police are left inadequately resourced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Labor.
Latest data from the independent Crime Statistics Agency shows there was a 3.5 per cent increase in Greater Shepparton and 3.4 per cent increase in Moira local government areas, in the number of offences recorded for the year ending December 2025.
“Crime statistics continue to rise whist Labor continue their weak approach on addressing crime. Communities are sick of not knowing when their local police stations are open, the Mooroopna Police Station is rarely open, despite the fact criminal incidents increased in Mooroopna by 20 per cent last year.
“Communities must have access to their local police stations. Mooroopna residents feel frustrated and vulnerable when it comes to crime with the Mooroopna Police Station currently with no regular opening hours and rarely open.”
“Increasing crime in the community is a direct consequence of Jacinta Allan and Labor’s failure to properly resource our hard-working men and women of Victoria Police.
“Our region as a whole is significantly neglected when it comes to our local police stations and resources, I have called on the Minister for Police and Community Safety numerous times now to provide more support also to the Shepparton Police Station.
“Seventy-five per cent of the Shepparton police’s time is taken up with dealing with domestic violence incidents, which is taking them off the streets and unable to get out to callouts in the community. This also has a significant impact on our police officers,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Aggravated robbery, motor vehicle theft and retail theft continue to rise across the region as relaxed bail laws and the Allan Labor Government’s refusal to put the safety of Victorians first has led to increasing crime according to Ms O’Keeffe.
“Communities right across the state are feeling unsafe, business owners, our police officers and first responders have all had enough of Labor’s soft approach when it comes to crime.
“While Jacinta Allan and Labor cut critical funding for prevention programs in the community and weaken bail laws, only the Nationals and Liberals have a clear plan to restore community safety and keep Victorians safe.
“The Safer Communities Plan will deliver tough new laws alongside practical prevention programs that will make a difference in every regional community. This builds on our Break Bail, Face Jail policy to Victorians, ensuring that there are consequences for all offenders.”
