The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has come out against the Andrews government, urging action against the escalating crime problem in the state.
Victoria’s incidence of crime has increased by 11 percent over the last 12 months, with motor vehicle theft rising by 34 percent. During the 2015/16 financial year, 18,041 vehicles were stolen in Victoria.
VACC executive director Geoff Gwilym said the crimes vary, with the most concerning being the number of violent car jackings and home invasions to steal vehicle keys.
Stolen vehicles are then sold to 'chop shops' for cash payments. The VACC believes legislating against cash payments for scrap vehicles and parts will curb this behaviour.
“These stolen vehicles are supplied to unlicensed recycling businesses. The vehicles are then either scrapped and the parts sold for cash or the complete vehicles are shipped to Malaysia and, from there, on to the Middle East,” said Gwilym.
The VACC stated the government needed to address this issue swiftly, as these crimes were becoming commonplace within the state.