NEW statistics published by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) have shown that crime across NSW has primarily remained stable across the past two years.

This report details trends in criminal incidents, violent and property offences over the 60 months to June 2021.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Overall, the Mid North Coast statistical area (including MidCoast) had an annual change of 17.6% of violent offences in the past two years, and 4.9% in the past five years.

The only major offence to show a significant upward trend in the 24 months to June 2021 was sexual assault.

Recorded incidents of sexual assault rose 21.0% year-on-year to June 2021 (up 1,367 incidents).

In the twelve months to June 2021, the Mid-Coast region reported zero murder cases and one case of robbery with a firearm.

There was a significant number of Domestic Violence related assaults (527) and Sexual Assault incidents (135) as well as over 800 incidents of malicious damage to property.

Fourteen incidents of robbery without a weapon were reported with seven cases of robbery with a weapon not a firearm stated.

These statistics show an overall slight rise in crime in the area over the 2020-21 period.

Over the past two years, the region has noticed a 14.0% decrease in stealing from motor vehicles and 33.0% decrease in stealing from retail stores.

BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald expects that in the time since this data was collected, crime trends will have been significantly impacted by the current COVID lockdown.

“We know from 2020 that stay at home orders interrupt criminal activity and lead to sharp falls in many crimes.

“The impact of the most recent restrictions will be closely monitored in the coming months as NSW residents gradually resume regular activities,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

By Tara CAMPBELL