MEMBER for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has raised serious concerns in Parliament about unplanned closures of Mernda and Epping police stations, warning that staff shortages are leaving local communities without vital police services.
Ms Lovell said she had been contacted by residents alarmed at the rumoured possibility of Epping Police Station closing permanently, with officers to be reallocated to Mill Park and Mernda stations. She argued that any such move would severely weaken community safety in the City of Whittlesea, which is already grappling with a surge in crime.
“Residents are being abandoned, left without a police station to turn to, because the Labor government has dropped the ball on staffing our police force,” Ms Lovell said.
According to the latest Crime Statistics Agency figures, aggravated robbery in Whittlesea rose by 24 per cent, aggravated residential burglary by 31 per cent, retail theft by 45 per cent, and motor vehicle theft by a staggering 81 per cent. Ms Lovell said these figures reflected a “crime wave out of control” and criticised the State Government for being too soft on repeat offenders.
“Residents no longer feel safe in their community. Waiting too long for police to respond could mean the difference between life and death. Epping deserves a station that is fully staffed, open and able to respond quickly to calls for help,” Ms Lovell said.
Ms Lovell has called on the Minister for Police to reveal how many times the police station had closed unexpectedly and to commit to providing sufficient officers to ensure it remains open.
She said a future Liberal Government would restore police funding, reinstate move-on powers and strengthen bail laws to ensure those who breach bail conditions face jail time. The Liberals, she added, would also invest in youth crime prevention programs, while ensuring serious consequences for repeat offenders.
“Crime is out of control under Labor and we will make sure Victorians feel safe again,” she added.
Local residents have echoed the concerns, warning that without consistent police presence, crime will continue to escalate. With reports of unplanned closures already eroding public trust, the community is demanding urgent reassurance that their police station will remain open and staffed to meet rising demand.
