By ANEEKA SIMONIS
LANG Lang residents have made a public plea to police and the State Government to reinstate the town’s full-time police officer following a shocking climb in crime rates.
In 2011, Lang Lang lost its only full-time police officer.
Since then, crime in the area has climbed more than 72 per cent.
Last year alone, 381 criminal offences were committed in Lang Lang including 52 assault and related offences, 27 drug offences and 201 property and deception offences.
Resident Brian Candy who is spearheading the campaign to have a full-time police officer return to the town said no single shop front or home was safe as thugs and hoons raided the town.
“The nearest cops are in Kooweerup or Pakenham. This gives them enough opportunity to do what they like and clear out before the police get here.”
Just over the weekend, the town’s optometrist and hairdresser were broken into.
For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Pakenham Gazette or subscribe online at pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/epaper/
VIDEO
Lang Lang resident Brian Candy blames the town’s dwindling police presence for the 72 per cent increase in local crime.
