The latest quarterly report from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows a jump between the number of incidents in this category in the 12 months to June this year compared to the same period to June 2017. 

To June 2018 there were 95 recorded cases of stealing from a motor vehicle, compared to 37 in the 12 months to June 2017. 

Earlier this year Leeton residents were subjected to a spate of break and enters involving vehicles, but police were able to apprehend those responsible, with one officer injured in that process. 

Chief Inspector John Wadsworth said where there was a spike in the year-long picture it often dramatically decreased following an arrest(s). 

He said in some cases, crimes recorded in Leeton weren’t committed by long-term residents. 

“We can’t stop people coming from our town, but we can definitely curb their behaviour … but we can’t arrest them prior to them ‘doing something’,” he said. 

“Through probation and parole and working with other police in other jurisdictions, we will know when a parolee has hit town.

“We go around and visit them and just let them know we will be keeping an eye on them.”

The category with the largest number of recorded offences was malicious damage to a property with 100 incidents in the 12 months to June 2018, compared to 118 the previous year. 

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Domestic violence was another area with high numbers. 

Chief Inspector Wadsworth said police were continuing to work to bring these statistics down. 

“The problem with domestic violence is it often stems from (drinking), people getting on the grog,” he said. 

“There’s a lot more work to do in that area and we are committed to it.”

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