Thursday, 2 July, 2026
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Food relief need rising The number of families seeking food relief in some areas of Casey has doubled in the past year, with local charities warning that the rising cost of living is pushing more residents into food insecurity and financial distress. Volunteer-run organisation Find a Penny, which operates a food relief hub and three mobile soup kitchens across Melbourne’s south-east, now provides assistance to nearly 6,000 Victorians every week. Their assistance is supported by OzHarvest which distributes food through their major hubs including one in Hallam. Founder Bebe Stednik said the profile of people seeking help had changed dramatically. Among them is Pakenham resident Donita, a mother of 10 whose family relies on the service to help make ends meet. Donita and her family currently live in public housing and relies on OzHarvest to receive a weekly food parcel. With one son living with severe autism and her husband working part-time, she said rising expenses had made everyday life increasingly difficult. FULL STORY PAGE 5
Doinita Tintisan and BB Stednik. (562592)
Thieves thwarted By Afraa Kori Thieves appear to be facing fewer opportunities in Pakenham, with new data showing a notable fall in both break-ins and motor vehicle theft across the past year. According to the latest Crime Statistics Agency, Pakenham recorded a nearly 24 per cent drop in break-ins and burglaries, falling from 271 in 2025 to 206 in 2026. In the twelve months to March 2026, motor vehicle thefts also fell by 10.1 per cent, dropping from 227 to 204. It is believed the “9pm Routine”, launched last year, has helped contribute to the decline in offending.
Shire Council’s work in crime prevention, saying the 9pm routine has helped residents, including himself, build stronger everyday security habits. Reflecting on Casey’s 9.1 per cent rise in crime, which contrasts Victoria’s first overall decline in four years, Mr Bloomfield said these residents should not rely on memory alone, but instead build consistent habits so checking doors and vehicles becomes automatic. “Train the brain,” he urged residents to prioritise security. Police Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said while pleasing to see overall crime slightly decrease, the reality is that overall crime in Victoria still remains far higher than both police and the community would like.
“This is why we are absolutely committed to ensuring our highly trained officers are where they are needed most – in the community, patrolling the streets, deterring criminal behaviour and preventing crime,” he said.
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“The early indications are we’re making some positive steps to achieve this with armed robberies, carjackings, and aggravated home burglaries all reducing. “Our dedicated officers continue to work extremely hard around-the-clock to protect the community, with a record 210 offenders arrested every day.”
LOCATIONS PAKENHAM, WARRAGUL, LEONGATHA, MOE
(03) 5922 2072 U2, 1 Stephenson Street PAKENHAM
12781081-EB26-25
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The 9pm routine is a safety campaign supported by Cardinia Shire Council and Victoria Police to remind residents to secure their property and cars to prevent theft. By 9pm, residents are encouraged to take simple nightly steps such as removing valuables from cars, locking vehicles and windows, securing homes and garages, and leaving external lights on. Police allege thieves are opportunistic and look for easy targets, meaning simple security habits can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim. At a recent Libertarian-led crime forum held in Casey, Crime Stoppers community engagement officer Aiden Bloomfield acknowledged Cardinia