In the Mitchell Shire, there has been an 11.6 per cent rise in criminal incidents, with 39.2 per cent of cases being unsolved — up from 30 per cent last year.
In Benalla, criminal incidents have risen by 11.2 per cent, while unsolved cases are up to nearly 39 per cent as opposed to 31 per cent last year.
Meanwhile, Strathbogie Shire’s criminal incidents are up 9.6 per cent, with a staggering 56.6 per cent of cases remaining unsolved — up from 41.3 per cent.
Ms Cleeland said the rise in unsolved cases resulted from the Victorian Government’s failure to keep its promises over police numbers.
“Labor’s continual under-resourcing of Victoria Police has seen criminal incidents in our region rise to outrageous levels and, alarmingly, left most of them unsolved,” she said.
“Police numbers are going backwards — that is an objective fact.
“This lack of support threatens to leave rural communities without a policing presence and sends a signal that the safety and protection of our rural communities doesn’t matter.”
Ms Cleeland says police officers are doing their best but need to be given the right tools.
“Victims of crime in our regional communities have again been badly let down by the Allan Labor Government,” she said.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said community safety is their number one priority which is why they have invested a record $4.5 billion in Victoria Police to ensure they have the resources and tools they need to keep Victorians safe.
“This includes funding for more police officers and local crime prevention measures in Euroa as well as a new 24-hour station being built in Benalla,” they said.
“Victoria Police provides a 24-hour police response, 7 days a week to all Victorians.
“Operational decisions such as the deployment of resources are a matter for Victoria Police.”
“We thank Victoria Police for their vital work in keeping the community safe and we will continue to give them the resources they need to deter and disrupt crime across the state.”
Family violence breaches continue to be the leading criminal incident in Benalla and the Mitchell Shire, while theft is the number one offence in the Strathbogie Shire.
The Victorian Government has been contacted for comment.
