While overall crime rates have fallen in the Shoalhaven over the past 12 months, theft from retail stores has increased significantly.
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Steal from retail store has increased in the region, up 70.8 per cent from 233 offences to 398 offences, according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures.
Despite this, the data showed an overall decrease in crime across the Shoalhaven in nine of the 17 major categories.
The number of domestic violence related assaults fell from 367 in the previous financial year to 348 offences in the latest period. Non-domestic violence related assaults also fell from 416 to 404 offences.
The number of sexual assault offences rose slightly from 108 to 109 to June 2018, as did indecent assault act of indecency and other sexual offences, up from 115 to 140.
The number of robberies without firearms increased this financial year from six to 11, as did robbery with a firearm, from none last financial year to two this financial year. Meantime, robbery with a weapon (not a firearm) fell from 13 offences to six.
Break and enter from both dwelling and non-dwelling, fell this financial year from 408 to 372 offences and 149 to 135 offences, respectively.
Motor vehicle thefts also decreased this year, from 152 to 146 offences.
Steal from motor vehicle fell significantly from 459 to 418 offences.
Steal from dwelling was up slightly from 220 to 222 as was steal from person from 13 to 20 offences.
There was a steady drop in malicious damage to property, down form 882 to 817.
The number of fraud offences jumped from 365 to 416 this financial year, there was also one charge of murder in the 2017/18 financial year.
The most common illicit drug people were charged for possessing or using was cannabis, with 276 cases, an increase on the previous financial year at 257.
Amphetamines followed, with 136 cases, down from 158 the previous year.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said it was encouraging to see figures falling in the majority of categories across the state.
“It is encouraging to see the continuing efforts of police having a significant impact reducing crime in our communities across the state,” he said.
“Our ongoing priority is to continue to enhance the capabilities of our officers as they proactively focus on preventing and disrupting crime.”
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
