Communities and councils have been rallying to make their homes safer, after consistent crime levels have driven them to breaking point. Numbers from a recent police operation reveal that the problem is repeat offenders.

Regional communities made the message loud and clear this year; they’ve had enough.

Coonamble citizens gathered to talk about tackling local crime, Bourke Shire Council campaigned parliament against increasing the age of criminal responsibility, and three major organisations called on parliament to investigate why regional crime is on the rise. 

While calls for inquiry are denied and communities jump in the driving seat of combatting increasing crime numbers, police in the Western Region commenced Operation Mongoose, focussing on addressing serious property-related crime.

To date, the operation (beginning 27 September) has resulted in 102 people – including 74 juveniles – charged with more than 609 offences. Of those, 86 were for breach of bail.

While the number of offences has dramatically risen in the last period, the number of offences has largely remained the same. 

“That tells us very clearly that there are repeat offenders,” Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree said. 

“The ones that we are focusing on, that we are arresting and putting before the courts, are the ones causing damage in our wonderful country towns,” he said. 

The predominant offences are for break and enter - sometimes aggravated, including wielding a weapon - and stolen motor vehicles.

With the majority of the offenders sentenced in the operation being juveniles, it fuels the common critique in Western NSW that youth crime is becoming a major issue. 

Crime around Christmas

As the celebratory season continues, Assistant Commissioner Greentree said that residents are perhaps more susceptible to crime.

“The school holidays, Christmas and New Year period has always been a delicate time for communities.”

“We would ask people to remain vigilant if you are going away…make sure people know.”

While police station hours and availability will continue as normal, resources will be surged ‘where appropriate’.

“The message is pretty clear. If you are going to do something, the police are out there and will catch you, and will put you before the courts.”