Statement - Brighton crime spike confirmed by Victoria Police

Statement – Brighton crime spike confirmed by Victoria Police

James Newbury, Member for Brighton

5 March 2023.

New police data confirms there has been a dramatic increase in aggravated burglaries in Brighton.

Over the five years between 2017 and 2022, the number of aggravated burglaries increased from 15 to 51.

The confirmation comes less than a year after the Brighton community called on the State Government to increase police resourcing in the local community, as residents witnessed a string of violent home invasions.

Sadly, instead of constructively addressing the rise in crime, Daniel Andrews denied the extent of the problem, and victim blamed Brighton resident Bec Judd, for calling on the Government to act.

New data shows a sharp increase, which has reportedly been caused by perpetrators travelling up from other areas to commit these crimes.

We now know that the former Labor Government’s decision to shut the Brighton Police Station was a mistake.

Member for Brighton, James Newbury, said that police had confirmed there were not enough police resources in the Bayside area.

“Victoria Police Officers are regularly telling me that there aren’t enough resources to battle the sharp increase in aggravated burglaries in our community,” Mr Newbury said.

“They are also reporting to me that the supposed 24-hour Bayside Police Station is repeatedly being forced to shut, because of resourcing shortages.

“Despite Daniel Andrews crime denials, the Brighton community has been calling on Victoria Police to provide the resources that our community needs.

“The Liberal Party called on the State Labor Government to commit to a new Brighton Police Station – a call that Labor simply ignored.

“With data now proving there has been a sharp increase in aggravated burglaries in Brighton, it is incumbent on Labor to stop wilfully ignoring my community, and do something about these violent crimes”.

James Newbury, Member for Brighton