Anotable surge in theft and anti-social behaviour is having a significant impact on Mount Gambier businesses and residents according to the State Liberal Opposition.
The party’s Shadow Cabinet visited the Limestone Coast last week, with Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Police and Correctional Services Jack Batty declaring that SAPOL crime data highlights “an increase in property damage, theft, and criminal trespass, underscoring the need for urgent attention”.
Mr Batty criticised the State Government for “leaving regional communities vulnerable through a lack of adequate police resourcing”.
“The decision made by the Malinauskas government to scrap Mount Gambier’s 24- hour police station and replace it with an after-hours telephone last month was simply irresponsible,” Mr Batty said.
“Mount Gambier, as South Australia’s second-largest city, deserves proper police services,” Mr Batty said.
“Officers are doing everything they can, but they need the tools and infrastructure to continue to support their community.
“This government has hopelessly under-resourced South Australia Police, with a shortfall of nearly 200 police officers. We are now starting to see this impacting community safety in Mount Gambier.”
Shadow Minister for Government Accountability and Mount Gambier local Ben Hood MLC said there were “alarming crime trends and growing reports from residents about anti-social behaviour”.
“I have heard directly from community members who are very concerned about increased anti-social behaviour and its impact on their quality of life,” Mr Hood said
“Since 2022, theft offences have climbed by 13.2%, with shop thefts up by 11.6% and the handling of stolen goods rising by 35.7%.
“These are not just numbers – they represent real challenges for local families and businesses.”
Mr Hood also said that while police are doing their best with limited resources, the courts were “failing to act as an effective deterrent”.
“Offenders are repeatedly walking away without meaningful consequences, leaving businesses and the community to deal with the fallout,” Mr Hood said.
“It’s frustrating for everyone trying to address this issue on the ground, particularly our hardworking police.”
Mr Hood also said there was a need for better support services to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour.
“The State Government must take responsibility for ensuring people do not fall through the cracks of essential services designed to support those in need,” Mr Hood said.
“Addressing crime means not only resourcing our police but also looking at the broader social factors that contribute to anti-social behaviour.”
Local business owner Michael McLean shared his frustration – describing anti-social behaviour within the CBD as a serious issue that needed to be addressed.
“It is only getting worse, with people removing mail from letterboxes, stealing clothes off backyard clotheslines and entering private properties at all hours of the day and night,” Mr McLean said.
The Opposition have called on the State Government to restore full services at the Mount Gambier Police Station and equip SAPOL with the resources needed to address the rising crime rates.
“Everyone in Mount Gambier deserves to feel safe – whether at home, at work, or on our streets,” Mr Hood said.
“The government must step up and deliver both policing and social support solutions to protect and strengthen our communities.”
The Liberals’ claims have been rebuffed by a government spokesperson.
“Latest police statistics show crime across the state has declined year-on-year for the third consecutive month,” the spokesperson said.
“In Mount Gambier, robbery offences peaked under the former government in 2019/20 – while twice as many police officers were assaulted during the Liberals’ last 12 months, at the height of COVID restrictions, compared to the current period.
“The Opposition should back in our Police Commissioner who has made clear his decision to change regional police station hours, including in Mount Gambier, is about getting more officers on the frontline and making our communities safer.
“It means officers will go from behind a counter during quiet periods to proactively out on patrol.
“Police in Mount Gambier will continue to be available to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The spokesperson said the State Government has introduced and passed tough new bail laws and rolled out hundreds more electronic monitoring devices to further improve public safety.
“People accused of serious offending now have a tougher time getting bail and, if granted, are subject to stricter conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“Increased monitoring has enabled breaches to be detected more effectively, with significant reductions in the number of bail breaches by some young offenders.
“The government is taking strong action to break the cycle of youth offending, including expanding support and early intervention programs across our regions.”
