The murder rate in the region has also gone up by 100 per cent - but it's still an uncommon crime, with one committed in the region in the year to September 2020, from zero murders in the year to September 2019.

That's according to statistics released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

The Shoalhaven has mostly followed trends across NSW that have seen thefts from people, homes and motor vehicles drop significantly.

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For example, in the year to September 2019 there were 478 thefts from motor vehicles in the Shoalhaven.

In the year to September 2020 that number dropped to 357.

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock, chalked the reduction in crime up to an increase in proactive policing.

"The NSW Police Force worked hard to assist emergency services during fires and floods and to enforce public health orders throughout a challenging year, all while working to disrupt criminal activities," she said.

However, less public crimes, such as domestic violence and sex assaults spiked.

There were 125 sexual assaults in the Shoalhaven in the year to September 2020, up from 80 in the year to 2019.

In the same period, NSW on average saw 10 per cent more sexual assaults - well below the Shoalhaven's 56.3 per cent spike.

Indecent assaults went up from 137 to 157 in the same period, and domestic assaults went from 411 in the year to September 2019 up to 461 in the year to 2020.

Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar attributed the spike to victims being more willing to report assaults.

"While there are complex factors at play regarding sexual assaults, the upward trend is indicative of the increased willingness of victims to report sexual assaults," he said.

"The priority of the NSW Police Force will always be the health, well-being and desired outcomes of victims. Police rely on the community to report crime, and will continue to take legal action against those responsible.

"In the majority of sexual assault cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim."

He said more historic sexual assaults have also been reported in 2020, as victims develop the confidence to come forward.