The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) have released their latest quarterly report which shows that across the state reported crime in most categories has remained largely stable.
The Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan found that the statistics in Moree and Armidale for property offences told a far different story, with significant decreases in both areas.
The MP said that while the drop in Moree can be partly related to the impact of the remote drove trial, both sets of figures point to effective and targeted policing.
“While there are certainly challenges that remain, there are also some encouraging signs that targeted policing and community-based interventions are starting to make a real difference,” Mr Moylan said.
“Across much of our electorate, crime rates have remained relatively stable, there were no statistically significant changes recorded in the Uralla, Walcha or Gwydir local government areas, demonstrating that those communities continue to maintain comparatively steady crime trends.”
The MP noted that the overall crime statistics for Moree Plains presented a mixed outcome across the categories.
“In Moree Plains, however, the figures present a mixed picture, with the most concerning result is the significant increase in amphetamine possession offences, up by 86.5 per cent,” Mr Moylan said.
“There were also increases in intimidation and stalking offences, which are up 35 per cent, breaches of apprehended violence orders, which are up 23 per cent, and resist or hinder police offences, which increased significantly by 91 per cent.
“At the same time, there are some very positive outcomes – Break and enter offences have fallen by 50 per cent and motor vehicle thefts have fallen by 36 per cent – those reductions are significant and should not be overlooked.
“We still have a problem with crime in Moree, but I think we are starting to slowly but surely turn the corner.”
While in the Armidale Regional Area, Inverell Shire and Glen Innes Severn crime dropped dramatically in some areas, and remained a concern in others.
“In Armidale, Break and enter offences declined by an impressive 61 per cent and motor vehicle theft fell by 50 per cent and those are outstanding results and deserve recognition,” he said.
“However, there was a 22 per cent increase in domestic violence related assault.”
“Inverell Shire had some encouraging results as well with retail thefts falling by 42 per cent and stealing from dwellings fell by 40 per cent.
“Those are substantial reductions that will be welcomed by residents and local businesses alike.
“At the same time in Inverell, breaches of apprehended violence orders increased by 14 per cent and breaches of bail increased by 17 per cent, highlighting the importance of maintaining accountability within the justice system and with the Bail Act.
“In Glen Innes Severn Shire, non-domestic assault offences fell by 47 per cent and malicious damage offences were down 36 per cent.
“Those figures indicate substantial improvements in community safety, while Stealing from dwellings in Glen Innes increased by 61 per cent, which is significant.”
The MP acknowledged and thanked officers from the NSW Police Force who serve across the electorate.
“They are incredibly hardworking, and I firmly believe they represent the very best of the NSW Police Force,” Mr Moylan said.
“The decrease in offences in my electorate did not happen by accident.”
Media Release: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan
