Crime in Kempsey has decreased overall during the past few months, it was revealed at the Community Safety Precinct Committee (CSPC) Meeting today.
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There was seven break and enter dwellings reported in April, a steep drop from the 26 reported in March and 39 in April. While break and enter non dwelling increased to seven from five in March.
"We're seeing this decrease in break and enter crime and robberies because there have been arrests and action taken against the individuals responsible," District Commander Paul Fehon said.
"These crimes aren't spiking because the offenders have been caught and put before the courts."
Break and enter dwelling and non dwelling averaged at two per week each for the month of April.
Although there has been a decrease in break and enters, police are still urging residents to lock their doors.
"We are still seeing incidents where people are leaving doors unlocked while they're home and break and enters are taking place," Sergeant Elisha Campbell said.
Another area of crime local police are tackling is retail theft.
"We've seen a number of people stealing meat from stores and trading it for drugs," Sgt Campbell said.
"Heroin continues to be a major issue here in Kempsey," District Commander Fehon added.
"The property crime and robberies that we see here are relating to drugs and acquiring money to buy drugs."
District Commander Fehon also said Kempsey will be benefiting from the 1500 new police officers being deployed throughout NSW from July 1.
"We do anticipate we will get an aged care prevention officer here in Kempsey that will look into elder abuse and also educate the community on the issue," he said.
The next community safety meetings will be held in Nambucca Heads on September 3 and Port Macquarie on November 19.
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