The latest crime statistics from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) have provided a glimmer of hope for Orange’s crime-weary residents.
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Reports of assault, domestic assault, stealing from cars and homes and even malicious damage all fell in 2016.
However, armed robbery with a weapon, fraud and car theft jumped according to BOCSAR.
There were nine robberies without a weapon in 2015 compared to five in 2016, while domestic assaults fell to 254 from 313.
There were 405 thefts from cars reported in 2016, a drop 25 per cent drop from 544.
Meanwhile, there were 19 robberies with a weapon in 2016, compared to seven in 2015. The rate of armed robbery with a firearm in Orange is 4.5 times the state average.
Fraud cases jumped by 109 to 325 in 2016. Car theft in Orange is double the state average.
“CCTV has helped with fraud and all crimes across the board,” Canobolas Local Area Command’s acting crime manager Detective Sergeant Andy McLean said.
“The main street cameras have paid for themselves 10 times over.”
Detective Sergeant McLean said two strike force teams were investigating the armed robberies of the Orange Bowling Club and the Sundowner Oriana Motel last year.
The main street cameras have paid for themselves 10 times over.
- Acting crime manager Andy McLean
“Ice is a motivating factor in relation to those armed robberies, it’s not an active gang, there’s no link between the incidents,” he said.
“Ice is the source of most of the crime in Orange and the state.”
Detective Sergeant McLean said addiction was fueling many fraud and break and enter offences.
“Late last year we had a spike in break and enters, with offenders targeting wallets and purses,” he said.
“They’re very much aware of pay wave, as long as they keep their transactions under a particular amount, the fraud is undetected for a period of time.
“Often until the owner becomes aware of a missing or stolen card”
Detective Sergeant McLean said CCTV had helped identify people fraudulently using stolen credit and debit cards.
“Often thieves look at the kitchen bench were wallets and purses are left,” he said.
“Tradies need to keep their tools and supplies secure at all times, even when they’re on jobs.”