Incidence & Issues

Break and enters, Parkes: Police police with reduction of incidents

THE number of homes broken into across Cowra, Hilltops and Parkes local government areas is declining, new data shows.

During the past year, there were 194 break and enter dwelling crimes reported to police which represents a decline of 6.7 per cent on the 208 cases in the 12 months prior.

The data was revealed in the recently-released NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) report for the 12 months to September 2019.

Far more homes were broken into in Cowra than the other LGAs, with 95 incidents this year compared to 100 the year before.

This was followed by Parkes (53 incidents which was down from 54) and Hilltops (46 down from 54).

Data also shows the number of break and enter non-dwelling crimes.

Across the three LGAs, there were 92 incidents reported to police which is a significant 27.6 per cent decline on the 127 cases during the previous year.

Cowra again recorded the most incidents, but only just, with 34 reports to the police for this crime (down from 45).

Parkes followed with 32 cases (down from 52) and Hilltops with 26 (down from 30).

Central West Police District Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Grassick said break and enters had been a particular focus for officers in the Parkes.

“We have officers who regularly liaise with business owners to determine for them what’s best practice in relation to these [property] offences,” he said.

We have officers who regularly liaise with business owners to determine for them what’s best practice in relation to these [property] offences.

Central West Police District Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Grassick

Det Chief Insp Grassick, who is also the district’s crime manager, said “best practice” could include the installation of CCTV, bollards or lighting at business premises.

He said some of these crimes were committed by juvenile offenders and the police district’s officers work closely with the PCYC Rise Up program which targets at risk youth.

Det Chief Insp Grassick said home owners could implement a number of strategies to help reduce the likelihood of a break and enter.

“It can be as simple as when you go away ensure your letters are removed from your letterbox,” he said.

“Remove shrubs from outside your home and, even if you’re at home, always have the front door locked as these offences are often not targeted and are more of an opportunistic crime.”