The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) released its data for the year to June, which showed a reduction in Orange across 13 of the 17 crime categories. 

Most significantly, dwelling break and enters fell 19.2 per cent compared to the year to June 2017, while stealing from a retail store dropped 43 per cent.

Stealing from dwellings dropped 18 per cent, while malicious damage dropped 6 per cent.

Fraud, motor vehicle theft and stealing from a motor vehicle remained stable. 

Central West Police District crime manager Bruce Grassick said property crime had been a focus for police.

“It’s probably paid dividends in the BOSCAR figures, from the work we’ve done,” he said.

“It’s encouraging anytime we see crime trends reduce, but we don’t rest on our laurels.”

Detective Inspector Grassick said the Central West proactive and investigation team of seven officers had played a crucial role in conjunction with general duties police.

“We’ve just looked at increasing the numbers on that to eight to target that even harder,” he said.  

He said the community had taken on police messages to secure their homes, cars and property against potential offenders and encouraged them to continue.

However, sexual assaults rose from 57 incidents as of June 2017 to 69 incidents the year after.

Det Insp Grassick said historical reports had been a factor, particularly in the wake of the Royal Commission of Child Sexual Abuse.

“Although we investigate with the same vigour, there are more problems because of the time involved,” he said. 

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