Elderly residents at the Green Palms Village in Cobram’s west are concerned for their safety after a string of burglaries across the community in recent months.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Locked doors and windows, anxious glances shared between neighbours.
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It’s a reality for many of Cobram’s most vulnerable who have been left rattled following a spree of crime across the town in recent months.
Elderly residents at two lifestyle villages in Cobram have spoken out over their concerns that offenders are acting with impunity without a 24-hour police presence in town.
It includes members of a craft group at the Oasis and Green Palms Villages, who feel vulnerable and exposed with little peace of mind.
“What we’re saying is we need more [police]. We need that cover,” group member Pam said.
While they appreciate the work of local police in cracking down on offenders, the craft group said Moira Shire was a large area, and that by the time police arrived at the scene of a crime in Cobram, it was already too late.
“I think they [offenders] know that because there’s no police here overnight, they can pretty much do what they want,” another group member, Jenny, said.
The group has also noticed a change in the types of crime over the past few years.
“They’re not just stealing from a purse; they’re breaking into houses. It’s invasive,” group member Jane said.
Wangaratta Inspector Ash Mason said Victoria Police strategically allocated resources to communities based on a range of factors, including calls for assistance and recorded crime.
“Taking population growth into account, crime in Moira rose by just 2.4 per cent over the past year, well below the statewide increase of 15.7 per cent,” he said.
“While the reception counter at Cobram Police Station may not be open 24 hours, it is important to remember police are out on patrol and available to respond to incidents.
“We know this is the most effective way to detect and deter crime, and keep the community safe.
“The Cobram Police Station reception counter is also open from 8am to 10pm for day-to-day business.”
State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has advocated for a 24-hour police station in Cobram since at least 2017, when he first raised a constituency question in parliament.
“I have always supported a 24-hour police presence in Cobram, and like other residents, believe that this will help to decrease crime and improve public safety,” Mr McCurdy said.
“I will continue fighting for a fair share for Cobram to ensure our community remains safe.”
State Member for Ovens Valley and Cobram resident Tim McCurdy has long supported a 24-hour police presence in his community.
The case of a Tallygaroopna man, Jesse Wells, pleading guilty in February to burglary, theft and destroying property, also came after over $120,000 in watches and earrings was stolen from Robert’s Jewellers on Cobram’s Bank St in November last year.
Meanwhile, the ladies at the Green Palms Village craft group have begun locking up their doors and windows at night — something which, they explained, once wasn’t necessary.
“It’s just that attitude of the government that ‘Well, let’s just wait until it gets really bad’,” Jenny said.
“It would be good to know the reasoning they’re using. You know, do they have to wait until the crime happens?”
The forum will provide an opportunity for community members to hear further information about trends in crime and raise any concerns with police officers.
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