Victim calls for 24-hour station

A victim of crime in Drouin has launched an online petition calling for a 24-hour police station in Drouin.

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood told state parliament last week the increase in crime was “manifesting” itself across his electorate, particularly in high population growth areas of Warragul and Drouin.

The online petition, organised by Drouin woman Emily Birrell, has been signed by almost 2350 people. Ms Birrell also has written to premier Daniel Andrews

Mr Blackwood told parliament Ms Birrell’s house was broken into while she was home alone, and her partner’s tools were stolen.

“It could have been much worse if their dogs had not disturbed the offenders,” he said.

Ms Birrell’s petition states the current station does not have enough resources.

“As soon as the police station is closed of an evening the dishonest come out to steal what other people have worked hard for.

“We need a 24 hour police station in Drouin to stamp out the crime. All of us locals have had enough of the sharp increase in the crime rate,” the petition states.

Mr Blackwood told parliament Drouin’s current population was close to 20,000.

“It is just not right that for eight hours a day a population of 20,000 is covered by police who are based over eight kilometres from the town.

“It is not fair to expect our hardworking officers to respond in a timely manner from such a distance.

“A police station that was built in 1974 is not appropriate for the demands of modern-day policing or able to cover the growing population of Drouin while manned for 16 hours a day,” he said.

Mr Blackwood said the number of people who had signed the online petition was evidence of the amount of community concern in the area and the increasing number of victims of crime in Drouin.

He urged the premier to urgently consider funding a new 24-hour police station in Drouin.