Greater police presence needed in CBD: Broad

NATIONALS Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad is calling for an increased police presence in Bendigo’s main central shopping area, citing recent statistics showing that crime had “skyrocketed” in the city.

“Many residents and local businesses are very concerned about rising crime around Bendigo and keen to see an increased police presence in the Bendigo mall, or even a police booth,” Ms Broad said.

She said recent Crime Statistics Agency figures showed that crime had skyrocketed in the city.

Ms Broad said the figures showed that in the 12 months to 30 September 2024, stealing from retail stores had doubled, aggravated robbery was up 69 per cent, residential aggravated burglary had risen by a “whopping” 89 per cent; and motor vehicle thefts were up 50 per cent.

“I have been approached by people who feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the mall,” she said.

“Retailers are feeling scared, and staff are concerned for their safety.”

Ms Broad’s comments were prompted by the continued presence in Hargreaves Mall of temporary barriers outside the Free Choice tobacco store, more than a year on from when it was rammed by a car at about 4.30am on 29 January 2024.

Two men were later charged over the incident, which involved a fire and caused an estimated $4 million in damages to the store and nearby buildings.

“It is disappointing to see the temporary barriers still in place 12 months after the tobacco store was destroyed, and its continued impact on local businesses,” Ms Broad said.

She said she was now “very concerned” about crime, hooning and ongoing anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

“Numerous retailers including Cotton On, Typo and Colliers Shoes have left the Bendigo mall, and many shop fronts remain empty,” she said.

Ms Broad also took a swipe at the State Government, which she said is not doing enough to address rising crime.

“There are over 1000 vacancies in Victoria Police, and they weakened bail laws and scrapped the role of Minister for Crime Prevention,” she said.

“Residents feel scared, and the State Government need to prioritise community safety.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said theft from motor vehicles is the most common offence across Greater Bendigo as opportunistic offenders prey on unlocked vehicles.

“Local police continue to run targeted patrols around known offending hotspots, but also encourage the community to ensure their cars are locked and valuables a removed,” they said.

The spokesperson said retail theft is the second-fastest growing crime in Victoria and Bendigo is not immune, with shop stealing the second most common crime.

“Bendigo police are addressing this issue with foot patrols and targeted operations.

“For example, local police arrested 32 people in the latter half of last year as part of an operation addressing shop thefts and anti-social behaviour in Bendigo’s CBD.”

The spokesperson said criminal damage is the third most common offence, followed by theft (other) offences which most commonly relates to a wallet or phone being stolen when the owner puts it down, as opposed to being robbed.

“Robberies remain at low levels and are below offending rates from earlier in the decade,” they said.

Meanwhile, a State Government spokesperson said their thoughts are with anyone affected by crime.

“That’s why Victoria Police are out every day holding offenders to account, backed by a record $4.5 billion from this Government and more than 3600 new police officers,” they said.

“We have also strengthened the bail test, a trial of electronic monitoring will start in the coming months for serious repeat offenders, and we’re creating a new separate offence for committing a serious crime while on bail.”