By PETER DOUGLAS
THE Belgrave police station was closed on 24 separate occasions during September, despite its 16 hours per day opening status, according to Member for Eastern Victoria, Edward O’Donohue.
Mr O’Donohue, who is also the Victorian Shadow Member for Police, said he had the information “on good authority” and it added further validation to his call for greater police numbers throughout the state.
The MP has been behind the push since the introduction of Victoria Police’s two-up policy, which bans officers from solo patrols.
The policy was implemented earlier this year as acknowledgment of changing police conditions in which the terror threat, and threats from illegal guns and ice abuse in communities, was deemed to be increasing.
But Mr O’Donohue said nothing had been done to alleviate the increased burden on Victoria Police, as a result of this policy.
“I’m calling on the State Government to act and meet these increased challenges faced through the two-up policy,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for the Andrews’ Government to stand up and make a difference.”
Mr O’Donohue recently spoke in Victorian Parliament on this issue.
“There is an emerging police resourcing and number crisis,” he said.
“We have seen numerous 24-hour police stations having to shut their doors, Reservoir, Epping, Greensborough and Pakenham.
“And now I understand that Belgrave police station, a 16-hour police station in my electorate … due to the shortage of numbers was closed on 24 separate occasions during the month of September.
“ … an absolute disgrace.”
Citing statistics released under the Freedom of Information Act, Mr O’Donohue pointed to data that showed police numbers had decreased since the introduction of the two-up policy.
Mr O’Donohue also cited statistics that suggested crime in the Yarra Ranges had increased 7.8 per cent over the past five financial years.
However, Acting Inspector Gerry McKenna, who is the Yarra Ranges Local Area Commander, said there were no closures at the station, just a change in procedure due to the two-up policy.
“It is not a direct closure, but when there is one police officer only in the station, the doors are closed,” Acting Insp McKenna said.
“There is a cluster arrangement in the Yarra Ranges, in this case Belgrave, Monbulk and Olinda work together, so there is always a police presence.
“There is also police on the road, so services do continue, so the community can be protected.”
Mr O’Donohue encouraged those concerned to sign a petition to call for more police numbers.
“I call on the (Victorian Police) Minister (Wade Noonan) by way of my constituency question, to resource Victoria Police in the way it needs to be resourced,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“The members of the Belgrave community want their station open 16 hours a day.
“They expect it to be open 16 hours a day.”
To sign the petition, visit http://www.supportmorepolice.com.au/.
