Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora believes the state government’s steps to be harder on youth crime is having an impact.
Fitzmedia asked Ms Ermacora for a comment on an incident in Hamilton late last week, where three teenagers were arrested for a fight in a supermarket in the town.
While Ms Ermacora said it be inappropriate to comment on this specific incident, she did say data is pointing to progress.
“There’s always more work to do to keep the community safe, but the latest crime statistics show our tougher bail laws are working and offending by young males is now falling,” Ms Ermacora said.
“According to the latest crime statistics, the Southern Grampians LGA recorded a 19.5 per cent decrease in total criminal incidents and a 25.5 per cent decline in total offences compared to last year.
“Serious crime needs strong consequences – that’s why late last year we introduced major changes – including Adult Time for Violent Crime, tougher bail laws, and Australia’s first ban on machetes with expanded stop-and-search police powers.”
(Photo: Jacinta Ermacora).
