Almost every second day a Cowra home is being broke into, according to a new report that reveals the town’s crime statistics.
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Figures released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics show Cowra police investigated 40 more incidents of break and enter into dwellings during 2016 compared to 2015.
The figure has spiked from 122 in 2015 to 162 in 2016, while reports of break and enter into non-dwellings increased from 33 to 38.
There were 32 motor vehicle thefts and 77 reports of stealing from motor vehicles – both up on the respective figures of 20 and 66 in 2015.
Robbery with a weapon emerged from zero in 2015 to two incidents in 2016.
Meanwhile, steal from retail store (29), steal from dwelling (65) and steal from person (2) all decreased in 2016.
Malicious damage to property reduced significantly from 276 in 2015 to 197.
Crime Manager of the Canobolas Local Area Command, Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said the recorded increase of break and enters was due to offenders targeting Cowra homes late last year.
“A significant spike in reported incidents was observed in October 2016 with another increase in December 2016, which was attributed to a small number of offenders targeting residences in the Cowra area,” Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said.
Since then, police has put a focus on stamping out property related crime.
“Since January 2017 there has been a noticeable decrease in these type of reported incidents,” Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said.
“This downward trend is attributed to a significant intelligence and pro-active based approach focusing on property related crime, including break and enters. The command has also established a team of investigators, intelligence analysts and pro-active officers focusing exclusively on property crime, which has assisted in addressing this crime issue.
“The downward trend evidenced across the command and specifically within the Cowra area is extremely encouraging, however the command remains vigilant in respect to all property related crime and will ensure these offences remain a command priority.”