For the second time in less than a fortnight, criminals have targeted local business, Cafe Ruze, over the weekend. It is one of many cafes and businesses on the radar of vandals recently, with many falling victim to the spate of senseless vandalism occurring throughout Cowra.

Last weekend, Angelo Lazarou's Barbershop was targeted along with numerous other businesses in the Calare and Logan Court Arcade including Cafe Ruze.

Rhonda Amos, who has owned Cafe Ruze was still reeling from the previous hit last week when the shop was destroyed again in what must feel like living a nightmare. She is one of many impacted by the spate of destruction. Criminals have smashed the same window and the adjoining door.

"It's getting out of hand," Mr Lazarou said.

"Nothing happens and they keep coming back and doing the same thing"

Mr Lazarou has a point.

According to Red Realities Crime Maps of Australia, there were 232 thefts in Cowra in 2023 and 2024 sadly is on track to surpass it at this rate. Generally speaking, crime in Cowra increased by 7.47% from 2022 to 2023 with theft and property damage among the most committed crimes in the shire while violent crimes and justice procedural offences also ranked highly.

People are also more chance to become a victim of a violent crime in Cowra (1 in 60) vs 1 in 85 - the NSW average. Property crime in Cowra is also 1 in 23 vs 1 in 41 on average for the rest of NSW which makes for further sobering reading. It starts to beg the question, how do we stop it?

The above also doesn't take into account the costs to business, ratepayers and Council.

"We need more police!" Mr Lazarou said.

Police are continuing with their enquiries and ask anyone with information to contact Cowra Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.