I am writing to you all, as a concerned resident of Cobram.
I was born and raised in Koonoomoo and Barooga, left for work, and have returned to the area that I love.
However, I do not love living in fear of the rising crime rate in Cobram, particularly home robberies and thefts.
I am deeply concerned for my safety and that of others in my community.
I currently live in the Oasis Village, an over-50s lifestyle village.
Most of us are feeling quite vulnerable, especially those of us who live alone and/or are frail or of failing health.
We are a soft target for criminals, of which there have been many breaking into our homes at the village, in the past 12 months.
I’m sure many people in the wider community feel the way we do.
We need to have a 24/7 hour police presence in our community, as the criminals know exactly when we are left to fend for ourselves.
Many of the crimes committed in our community have been done by people coming into the area at night, from other nearby towns/cities, as they know we are left unattended and vulnerable.
Our nearest 24/7 police station is in Wangaratta, over an hour away. This does not make you feel protected at all.
Of course, domestic violence, assault and drugs are a major concern in our town as well, and our local police spend a large amount of their time dealing with these situations.
I have nothing but respect for the police, as they do a wonderful job, but they are so hamstrung by their lack of resources.
They are just as frustrated as the community, being reactive, rather than proactive.
Our Cobram Police Station is very old and not fit for purpose in these modern times.
Its resources and spaces are outdated and far too small for the needs of the community.
I recently went into the station, and it is also not at all welcoming in its appearance.
I implore all of you to expeditiously provide a 24/7 police presence in Cobram and the Moira Shire, so that we can all sleep soundly at night and walk safely during the day.
To the Cobram community, our voices need to be heard.
Please write letters to the papers, the MPs, and please attend the upcoming Police Forum on Thursday, May 1 at the Civic Centre.
Regards,
V.S.
18°C