The latest statistics from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show property crime in on a downward trend in the Far West and Orana Region, however violent offences have gone up, on average, 3 per cent in the past decade.

The two-year trend from March to 2023-25 for the Far West and Orana Region shows a:

• 29.4 per cent decrease in break and enter dwelling,
• 20.1 per cent decrease in motor vehicle theft offences,
• 23.4 per cent decrease in other stealing offences and
• 14.4 per cent decrease in malicious damage to property

Statistically there was no significant changes to rates of domestic violence related assault, non-domestic violence related assault, sexual assault or robbery over the past two years but a longer term view is more disturbing.

The ten-year trend for the region shows an increase in assault offences in several LGAs, including:

• 3.1 per cent increase in Bourke
• 6.2 per cent increase in Brewarrina
• 2.3 per cent in Narromine
• 3.1 per cent increase in Walgett
• 4.1 per cent increase in Warren
• 5.2 per cent increase in Warrumbungle Shire

The data also shows an encouraging downward trend in most council areas since 2023.

Other western plains shires of Coonamble, Cobar, Gilgandra and Lachlan have seen more stable figures.

 Narromine Mayor Ewen Jones said crime rates often hit peaks and troughs over an extended period of time.

"Bad things come in waves, you get different people from different locations come in and out of our area all the time."

Mr Jones believes the judicial system was too weak, especially when it comes to crimes committed by minors.

"These young people don't respect authority, and magistrates need to get tougher," said Mr Jones.

"A few years ago, there was a young man who stole a police car and smashed it into a tree. He'd been convicted about 10 or 11 times for similar offences before but he kept getting a slap on the wrist, so he'd go out and do it again.

"There's not enough consequences for young offenders."

Narromine Shire Council is looking at introducing more early intervention programs, with the Deputy Mayor Stacey Bohm reintroducing the Narromine Shire Youth Council.

Narromine Shire Mayor Ewen Jones. Image: Narromine Shire Council.

Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW Rick Firman OAM, echoed Mr Jones' calls for NSW to get tougher on crime.

"It’s fairly simple – if there are tough penalties for committing a crime, that, in most cases is a deterrent," said Mr Firman.

"I know many members of our hardworking Police Force are pleading for tougher penalties – as even the respect for our Police Force has declined rapidly. 

"If we keep doing what we’re doing, we keep getting what we’re getting."

Rick Firman OAM. IMAGE: Temora Shire Council.

The ten-year trend also showed a 7 per cent increase in sexual assault and a 1.2 per cent increase in motor vehicle theft for the Far West and Orana region.