At the recent Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) meeting, local business owners and staff received valuable crime prevention advice from Leading Senior Constable, Alison Triggs of Victoria Police.
The presentation focused on practical strategies to enhance business security and manage criminal incidents effectively, at a time when crime rates in the region are on the rise.
The latest crime figures released last month by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) revealed that recorded offences in East Gippsland have surged by 11.6 per cent for the year ending June 30, 2024.
In comparison, the statewide increase was 9.1 per cent, reaching a total of 552,228 offences.
Equally concerning is the fact that East Gippsland no longer ranks as one of the safest places to live in the state.
The rate of offences per 100,000 people in East Gippsland has consistently surpassed the state average, climbing from 9325.7 in 2018 (when the state average was 7874.4) to a staggering 11,392.3 per 100,000 in 2024, against a state average of 7925.
Focusing on Orbost specifically, the statistics paint a similar picture, with the number of recorded offences rising sharply to 441 in 2024, up from 226 the previous year.
In response to these figures, Gippsland East MP Tim Bull expressed his concern, stating, “The significant rise in crime statistics in Orbost is certainly concerning.
“While the stats can also indicate the effectiveness of police in apprehending perpetrators, it is alarming to see such a significant increase in those who need apprehending.
“Orbost is a great town, and our police do a great job, but they need resourcing and support to do their jobs, especially when we see such a steep rise in crime.”
During the chamber meeting, Triggs emphasised the importance of using the appropriate contact numbers when reporting incidents.
She reminded attendees that triple zero should be reserved for crimes or incidents in progress, while non-emergency situations should be reported to 131 444.
She noted that non-urgent cases might not receive an immediate police response due to the need to prioritise emergencies.
Triggs also highlighted the limited staffing at the Orbost police station, which is manned for only 16 hours a day.
During unstaffed hours, backup comes from the Bairnsdale station, resulting in potential delays for non-emergency cases.
Triggs offered practical tips for preventing shoplifting, advising businesses closely monitor suspicious individuals in their stores, which often acts as a deterrent.
She also recommended installing CCTV cameras as both a preventive measure and a tool for gathering evidence.
In addition to crime prevention strategies, the presentation also covered essential cash-handling procedures and other security measures to help businesses minimise risks.
Business owners were encouraged to make use of the detailed brochures and information kits provided at the meeting.
During the Q&A session, several attendees voiced concerns about the lack of follow-up on reports submitted via the 131 444 number.
In response, the chamber secretary committed to raising these issues with local police to ensure better communication and quicker response times.
The meeting underscored the need for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to crime prevention, especially considering the rising crime rates in Orbost and East Gippsland.
While police support is crucial, the advice from Triggs highlighted preventive measures can play a significant role in protecting businesses from criminal activity.
