Thursday, 16 November 2023

Eastern Victoria Region

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:50): (576) My question is for the Minister for Crime Prevention. Just days ago local businesses along Pakenham’s main street were targeted by robbers. The Pakenham Gazette has reported that at around 5 am on Thursday four masked individuals smashed through the doors of the Telstra store and started taking things that were on display. This unfortunately is becoming a frequent occurrence on the main street; businesses are having cash and items stolen and windows and doors damaged. With the reduction of 43 police stations across the state, police are more under-resourced than ever. Pakenham business owners are understandably anxious, and I ask the minister: what action can you immediately take to ensure that the business owners and their employees along Pakenham’s main street are no longer in danger of these repeated burglaries?

Sitting suspended 12:52 pm until 2:02 pm.