Crime crisis shapes election battle in Melbourne's Berwick
Crime and community safety are top voter concerns in the Berwick electorate. Local businesses have suffered multiple break-ins, firebombings and armed robberies.
Crime is the main issue for Berwick voters in the November 28 election. A local butcher has suffered four break-ins in three years.
A café survived two attempted firebombings. Three masked men armed with hammers raided a jewellery store in broad daylight.
The owner was left with a head injury. Labor promises 1,500 extra police officers and a second academy in Melbourne's west.
The Coalition pledges 3,000 new officers, 40 police station reopenings and a change to bail rules. Yet a City of Casey Council survey found residents felt safer through neighbourhood connection and community support.
- 28 November
- Election date
- 4
- Butcher break-ins in three years
- 3 masked men
- Jewellery store attackers
- 4.7 per cent
- Labor margin in Berwick
Why it mattersBerwick is a close Labor seat. Crime policy could decide the election. Security and community support are shaping how voters will choose.
AustraliaVictoria's outer suburbs are flagging crime and underfunded community services as election battlegrounds, putting pressure on both major parties to act on local safety.
