Tuesday, 25 March, 2025
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Red Roo home pitch
Swim safety boost
Town hall centenary
Cricket premiers crowned
PAGE 2
PAGE 4
PAGE 13
PAGE 18
Moves in harmony Filipino dancers unfurled in traditional costume at a Harmony Day event at John Pandazopoulos Hall in Doveton on Friday 21 March. An array of seniors groups as well as schools across the South East celebrated with a world of foods and music. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 461407) More pictures, turn to page 8
Crime crackdown ‘Tougher’ bail laws have passed State Parliament as crime soars in Greater Dandenong and across the state. Greater Dandenong’s crime rate rose 11 per cent in 2024, headlined by car theft, shoplifting and stealing from vehicles, according to the latest official Crime Statistics Agency data. There were more than 2900 thefts from cars in 12 months – up 20 per cent. It has been identified as the fastest growing
and most common crime across the state by Victoria Police. The most common thefts were number plates and power tools. Meanwhile, police welcomed the Government’s stricter bail laws as children offending hit record levels across the state. Remand will no longer be the last resort for juvenile bail applicants.
“These laws are about squarely targeting the risks that come with young people committing serious and dangerous crimes while out on bail,” Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said. In Greater Dandenong, child offenders aged 10-17 were up 10 per cent and 18-24 year olds up 17 per cent. The highest rise was in the 30-34 year old category (up 34 per cent). On Friday, a Narre Warren 18-year-old man
was charged with murder over the alleged fatal stabbing of a man at Marriott Waters shopping centre in Lyndhurst this month. Opposition MPs criticised the State Government for “delaying” a machete ban for six months. “Dangerous weapons remain on shelves, putting Victorians at risk,” opposition police spokesperson David Southwick said. More on the crime stats, go to page 3
12743930-FR03-25