Joint Statement - Victoria Police confirm Bayside aggravated crime spike

Joint Statement – Victoria Police confirm Bayside aggravated crime spike

James Newbury, Member for Brighton

Brad Rowswell, Member for Sandringham

8 June 2023.

Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Shane Patton, has confirmed there is an aggravated burglary problem in Victoria, with Bayside being a repeated victim.

 Appearing on radio today, Commissioner Patton agreed there has been an increase in aggravated burglaries, particularly in the Bayside area, including Brighton.

 Overnight, a Bayside family were victims of a home invasion, with reports the family were confronted by offenders carrying machetes.

 Two nights ago, a Brighton family were confronted by home invaders in their kitchen, who were also armed with machetes.

 These repeated incidents in Bayside are deeply distressing and the Labor Government has been caught being deliberately silent.

 Last year, when the Bayside community raised concerns about the increase in crime, the Premier denied any increase and victim blamed Brighton resident, Bec Judd, for exposing it.

 Member for Brighton, James Newbury, said: “We keep hearing that the overall crime statistics have come down, at the same time as incidents of aggravated burglaries are spiking.”

 “Frankly, although our community will be happy to hear that jaywalking figures are going down, it’s little comfort to families who are being confronted by home invaders armed with machetes.”

 “Why is the Labor Government silent as these violent crimes are occurring? Labor’s silence is deafening.”

 Member for Sandringham, Brad Rowswell, said: “Our home should be our sanctuary and no family should experience violent crime in their loungeroom.”

 “With the Chief Commissioner confirming that aggravated burglaries are a problem in Victoria, we are calling on the Labor Government to act.”

Brad Rowswell, Member for Sandringham

James Newbury, Member for Brighton