A rise in the number of break- and-enter offences at Dubbo has prompted warnings for residents to be vigilant and lock up.
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In 2014 there were 540 recorded break and enters at dwellings in the Dubbo Local Government Area, 95 more incidents that in the previous year, new figures released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research show.
Break-and-enter offences at non-dwellings climbed from 70 in 2013 to 208 recorded incidents in 2014.
A man convicted in Dubbo Local Court recently of breaking, entering and stealing property had gained access to the house through an open window.
The owner had locked the doors of the house before going out but left multiple windows ajar, documents tendered to the court show.
Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents Association president Merrilyn Mulcahy said break-and- enters had not been mentioned at the group's meeting before, but she would look to discuss the issue at the next meeting.
"Certainly people need to take care, both in town and out of town," she said.
"They should make sure they have appropriate locks on their property.
"Watch what's happening with your neighbours - take note and report it."
Dubbo MP and new Police Minister Troy Grant noted the rise in the number of break and enter incidents to non-dwellings throughout his electorate.
"I'm concerned at the 22.5 per cent rise in these incidents across the Far West and Orana statistical area and I will be working with local area commands, councils and local business owners to discuss ways to work through this.
"Community members can assist police in the fight against crime by reporting incidents when they occur and remaining vigilant."
Steal from dwellings showed a statewide increase from 21,647 recorded thefts in 2013 to 22,335 in 2014.
Mr Grant said while he was concerned at the increase, BOCSAR observed most of the increase appeared to be due to offences occurring outside residential buildings.
"Common items stolen include parts of the house such as hot water systems and mailboxes, as well as bicycles and scooters, so I encourage everyone to take care when storing valuable items around their properties," he said.
Insurer NRMA offers a number of tips on its website to safeguard against burglary and break-ins.
One of these was "lock up every time you leave - windows and doors".
Its other hints included locking side gates, garden sheds and garages, installing movement-activated sensor lights and trimming trees and shrubs that could provide cover for intruders.
It advised the community not to leave spare keys out - "burglars know all the hiding spots" - and not to advertise any absences from home.
"Whether you're away for a day or two or a few weeks, try and keep your home looking as lived-in as possible," its website said.