Property crime at Bourke was reduced by 52 per cent over the summer school holiday period, thanks to a community program called "Operation Safe" which involved police and the PCYC.

Organisers say that, as a result, the number of youth charged with property offences also decreased by 68 per cent during the operation.

Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Tim Chinn, praised the effective working relationship between local police, officers from Youth Command and regional community organisations.

“We are all committed to working together to encourage our local youth to reach their potential and divert them from crime," Supt Chinn said. “This includes PCYC (now) extending their evening programs for up to four nights a week for youth in Bourke with the involvement of local police and Youth Command."

Bourke PCYC George Dickson agreed the program which ran from December 1 until the end of February was a great success in diverting youth crime.

"We had local police involved plus a couple from the Gosford area which allowed PCYC to stay open over the Christmas period where we would have normally had a closure. While we are generally open four days a week, over this time, we opened every day except Christmas Day," he said.

There were plenty of firsts on the Breath for Life trip. PHOTO: PCYC Bourke facebook

Mr Dickson said this was the second year of running the Operation Safe program and it had been even more successful than the first.

"The police helped run a Breath for Life program where we were visited by a professional diver who works for National Geographic. We took the kids snorkelling in the local pool and they learned breathing techniques which they can also use as a tool when struggling in stressful situations in everyday life."

The local youth taught the visiting police some things also, taking the visiting officers yabbying for the first time.

"It was very successful in creating relationships," Mr Dickson said. "With extra funding, we were even able to take a small group to Shelly Beach on the coast where they could snorkel in the ocean and check out all the marine life."

Marine life! PHOTO: PCYC Bourke facebook

Sprt Chinn said the PCYC was a fantastic place where the kids come to meet others and learn new skills, such as teamwork through sports and games.

“Following the success of this operation, we intend to continue this work moving forward with the assistance of local community organisations in coming months,” Supt Chinn said.

Mr Dickson praised the police and their contribution to the Bourke community.

"The police put in a lot of work for the community and do a great job which is not always recognised as it should be," he said.