Fraud is quickly becoming criminals’ preferred method of getting what they want after residents reported an extra 101 cases.
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The increase in fraud has been revealed by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, which released its updated statistics to September this year.
There were 313 reported incidents of fraud to 12 months from September, representing a 47.6 per cent increase.
Canobolas Local Area Command (LAC) crime manager Detective acting Inspector Yonneka Hill said the one of the main drivers of fraud was stolen credit cards.
“We are still seeing a trend of people leaving their credit cards or wallets in their vehicles, so I encourage people to remove any valuables from their vehicle and ensure their cars are locked,” Inspector Hill said.
“Another trend we see includes online frauds where the buyer has provided money for items ordered online, which are then not delivered.”
Inspector Hill said Orange residents were becoming victims to phone and computer scams to a smaller extent.
“We have been proactively addressing fraud by organising and running a fraud prevention forum, which was held in October this year,” she said.
“If you suspect that you have been sent a scam email or phone call, it is recommended that you do not reply to the email and do not give out your details online or over the phone.
“If in doubt, don't give out any details and advise the person on the other end of the line that you will go into the local branch to sort the issue out.”
Meanwhile, stealing from homes, domestic assault, non-domestic assault and sexual assault all recorded falls.
In the year to September, there were 195 reported thefts from homes, a fall of 19.5 per cent. Inspector Hill said the best way to reduce thefts from the home was to lock doors and windows.
“Don't leave valuable items such as bicycles laying around your yard. Secure them in a shed or in your house,” she said.
Inspector Hill said property crime had been a focus for the LAC, with officers making several arrests.
Domestic assaults fell by 8.2 per cent with 279 reported during the year.
“Police are encouraging the community to speak out and report violence through our No Innocent Bystanders campaign,” Inspector Hill said.