Lack of police ‘deeply concerning’
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Lack of police ‘deeply concerning’

Reports the front doors to Lakes Entrance Police Station have barely opened in the past three weeks of peak holiday time are deeply concerning, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, and Shadow Police Minister, Ed O’Donohue, who were at the station today.
 
“I understand the station has been closed almost every day since January 2,” Mr Bull said.
 
“It is extremely disappointing the station has barely opened this year and it is further justification for more police for the entire holiday period, not just a day or two over the New Year’s Eve period.
 
“Having also completed a petition prior to the Christmas break, it is clear there is widespread support across the entire community for increased resources for all of January.”
 
Mr O’Donohue echoed Mr Bull’s comments, saying it was time the Andrews Labor Government provided more support for local officers.
 
“Police in Lakes Entrance and surrounds do a fantastic job, but we know they need more help in busy times like January,” Mr O’Donohue said.
 
“While it is good to have extra sworn members in town for New Year’s Eve and January 1, their presence needs to be sustained,” he said.
 
Mr Bull said he had raised this issue numerous times in State Parliament over the past three years, but his requests for more police have fallen on deaf ears.
 
“The Minister continues to say that resourcing is an issue for the Chief Commissioner, but that's not the test she applied for her own electorate, where she guaranteed the opening hours of police stations in Bellarine.
 
“For all problems big and small, the community expects the station to be opened more in January and I think local residents deserve better,” Mr Bull said.
 
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, meets with Shadow Police Minister Ed O’Donohue in front of the Lakes Entrance Police Station, which has barely had its doors open since January 2.
 
Thursday, January 25, 2018