HASTINGS Police station’s front lawn was dug up by hooning motorcycles not once, but twice last week.
Investigators believe motorcycles were ridden across the lawn on 6 July about 9.30pm and again on 8 July about 5.40pm.
Initially, police media told The News that investigations were ongoing, and that “officers have a number of enquires to make”.
On Thursday (9 July), police executed a warrant at an address in Auburn Court in Hastings in relation to the vandalism.
During a search of the property it is alleged police located a homemade firearm on the premises and arrested a 22-year-old man.
He was interviewed for firearms offences and is expected to be charged at a later date.
Police have said investigation into the criminal damage is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated.
While Hastings Police Station is no longer open to the public 24-hours a day, it is believed officers were inside the station at the time of both incidents, but did not hear or see the incidents.
The Liberal candidate for the seat of Hastings in the upcoming November election, Frank Schiefler, believes the blatant lawlessness is a sign of under-resourcing.
“Dirt bike riders have torn up the grass directly in front of the Hastings police station. You couldn’t ask for a clearer example of how badly the government is failing our police and our community,” said Schiefler.
“This is not the fault of our hardworking local police. They do an outstanding job with the resources they’re given. The fault lies with a Labor government that has left Hastings without a genuine 24-hour station. The station’s hours were cut under Paul Mercurio and Jacinta Allan.
“Hastings needs a fresh start and a new government to deliver a 24-hour police station and 3,000 more police.
“People are fed up. Dirt bikes have been tearing up our parks and front yards and terrifying residents at night, and more than 1,100 locals have signed my petition calling for the Hastings police station to be open 24 hours. Hastings locals have already offered to host signs; this is a community campaign, driven by the community”
Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio, told The News, “I’m glad to hear that the alleged offender of criminal damage at Hastings Police Station has been arrested. I will continue to support our local Victoria Police members and advocate to ensure they have the resources they need to protect the community”.
“The Victorian government has built the biggest police force in Australia and applications for new officers are at a record high – backed by our record $5 billion investment into Victoria Police.
“This year’s Budget delivers $44 million for 50 additional PSOs and $62 million to recruit up to 200 reservists. This builds on the 3,600 police we’ve added to the frontline, putting more officers on patrol, for more hours, in more places to keep Victorians safe.
“We back the Chief Commissioner’s overhaul to get more officers out from behind desks and onto the street – boosting visible policing where communities need it most.”
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
