The latest figures from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show a continued decline in key crime categories for the Dubbo Regional Council area, but there is still work to be done.
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The statistics show that in the 24 months up to December 2017, the local government area saw a dramatic decrease in break-and-enters to both dwellings and non-dwellings, as well as motor vehicle thefts and steal from motor vehicles.
The largest decrease came in the break-and-enter (non-dwelling) category, which saw a 43.6 per cent drop.
The decrease is put down to some substantial lock-ups by police as well as builders, tradespeople and even property developers becoming more security-conscious with their sites.
Break-and-enters to dwellings fell 36.1 per cent, with 2017’s figures substantially lower than previous years.
Narromine recorded a 40.8 per cent decrease in the same category, while out at Cobar the figure halved.
On the flip side, Walgett had a 77.4 per cent increase in the number of homes being broken in to.
Statewide, all but one category remained stable or fell and rates of robbery and major theft offences in New South Wales are at the lowest level in more than 25 years.
The offence trending upwards was steal from retail store (up 3.9%), with more than half of this increase attributable to an increase in the theft of liquor.
Member for Dubbo and NSW Police Minister Troy Grant said the results are a result of good policing.
He added he is pleased to see the figures mirroring those from across the state.
“Thanks to the proactive approach of local police, crime rates in the electorate mirrored the state-wide trends,” Mr Grant said.
“Community safety is a top priority for this Government and these results show our tough and proactive stance on crime is having a positive effect.
“I would like to thank the community for working with our local police and reporting crimes.”
While the figures are promising, the man responsible for compiling the data said there is still work to be done.
Commenting on the trends, the Executive Director of BOCSAR, Dr Don Weatherburn, said the long-term trends are remarkably good but there are still areas of the State with significant crime problems.
"Local Government Areas such as Coonamble, Dubbo and Moree Plains still have crime rates many times higher than the State average" he said.