The Shepparton MP spoke in Victorian Parliament about recent incidents, including multiple break-ins at one local restaurant.
The restaurant contacted Ms O’Keeffe with frustrations over significant losses from these break-ins.
Several other businesses in Shepparton and Mooroopna have also faced recent break-ins, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in stolen stock and damages.
"This is a heartbreaking situation for proud business owners who are simply trying to make a living and contribute to Shepparton's hospitality,“ Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O'Keeffe criticised the state government for ‘weakening’ bail laws and abolishing the offence of committing an indictable crime while on bail.
"This decision has left our communities bewildered and feeling unsafe, knowing that offenders are likely to return," she said.
"Our police are doing all they can by bringing offenders before the magistrate, only for them to receive a slap on the wrist and be back on the streets the same day.
"What will it take for the Allan Labor Government to get serious about crime and bail penalties?“
Ms O’Keeffe urged the government to reinstate section 30B of the Bail Act, to “establish that it is in an offence for a person to commit an indictable offence whilst on bail”.
"We need our communities and businesses to feel safe and have faith in the legal system,“ she said.
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