Minister responds to crime spree

Police minister Yasmin Catley has responded to questions from the Cowra Guardian regarding a series of break-ins, theft and vandalism over the span of 10 days. Cafe Ruze was targeted twice during the crime spree as were KFC, Angelo Lazarou's barber shop, Kous, Cafe on Kendal. In reply to questions from the Cowra Guardian Police Minister Yasmin Catley said "Being a victim of crime can be an incredibly traumatic experience and I know the NSW Police Force are doing everything they can to support victims in the community," she said, adding "I am advised that the NSW Police Force are investigating the recent incidents in Cowra. I can also say that police have deployed extra patrols and resources to the community following these incidents." One of the concerns raised by both the inquiry and Cowra residents is the need for 24 hour policing. Minister Catley said "Cowra is part of a policing district with a 24/7 police response. These officers are highly mobile and can respond to incidents right across their local district." Whilst correct, the minister's response did not address the distances police across the command must travel to attend emergencies in Cowra when the police station is shut in the small hours of the morning. With neighbouring districts required to cover the hours that Cowra's station is unmanned, victims of crime say that thieves are aware that police response times make local businesses easy targets to escape from. Minister Catley said "police are redeployed based on community need and crime patterns", with any decision to redeploy personnel being the local commander's decision. Local MP Steph Cooke said it was critical that Cowra had "a police station that is open for business 24/7 with a permanent boost in locally-based police officers. While the Minister has acknowledged the issue, "her response falls short of addressing our community's concerns". "I have consistently highlighted rural and regional communities face unique challenges. Police resourcing and infrastructure that strengthens the response of our police officers are central themes in my ongoing discussions."