BOCSAR (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research) has released crime statistics recorded over the pandemic period.

Over the two years to December 2021, Port Stephens has remained stable with major crime offences, with no significant changes in percentages.

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There was a change in the ratio of NSW rate of recorded criminal incidents per 100,000 population for major offences with Port Stephens now at a ratio of 2.1 for murder offences.

The ratio of robbery for Port Stephens has dropped to only 0.2.

In the twelve months to December 2021, the number of criminal incidents for major offences in Port Stephens were are as follows: Murder (1), Domestic violence related assault (352), Non-domestic violence related assault (273), Sexual assault (104), Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences (100), Robbery (4), Break and enter dwelling (159), Break and enter non-dwelling (79), Motor vehicle theft (91), Steal from motor vehicle (219), Steal from retail store (97), Other stealing offences (345) and Malicious damage to property (509).

Overall, recorded crime statistics released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show major decreases in crime during both COVID-19 lockdowns.

This fact, combined with previous long-term declines, means many crimes are at historic lows.

In 2021, the rate of the following offences was at the lowest level since BOCSAR crime records commenced 27 years ago in 1995: murder, robbery, burglary, car theft, stealing offences and malicious damage to property.

Property offences fell sharply during both lockdowns.

These crimes remain well below pre-pandemic levels, even after mobility restrictions have been lifted.

Violent crime, by comparison, showed a different pattern during the pandemic.

Counts of both sex offences and non-domestic assault, were temporarily low during both lockdowns.

However, both promptly returned to pre-pandemic levels once restrictions were eased.

Commenting on the findings, Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director at BOCSAR, said it was unsurprising that the huge social upheaval caused by the lockdowns had a flow on effect to criminal activity.

“What was unexpected is that the downward trend was so consistent across offences.

“For those offences that remained low in December 2021, it will be interesting to observe how long it takes for crime rates to return to pre-pandemic levels as NSW residents resume regular activities,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

By Tara CAMPBELL