Fighting crime: Scene of crime officer Dene Slater, Constable Sharon McDonald, Constable Lindsay Steele and Senior Constable Steve Cherry show a united front and are happy to report crime in the Hastings is trending down.
DETECTIVE work coupled with public assistance has seen some crimes dramatically drop in the Hastings.
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research recently released the quarterly update, which contained some impressive figures for our area.
Break and enter of dwellings was down by 33 per cent, from 456 the year prior to 308.
Robbery without a weapon in the Hastings is half the state recorded average, along with stealing from a person.
Mid North Coast Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Steve Clarke said it was no surprise to him that some crimes were trending downwards.
He said the drop of break and enters was linked directly to a major investigation in the region.
General duty police, detectives, a target active group and the state crime command all were involved.
“It is also very important to note we have been receiving considerable assistance from the public,” Det Insp Clarke said.
“The most recent example was the arrest of a 17-year-old after a spate of break and enters in the Lighthouse Beach area.
“We received a tip off and, as a result made, the arrest.”
He said it was a spike in break and enters about six months ago that resulted in a major investigation leading to several arrests.
“Every fortnight, we meet to discuss emerging crime trends and break and enters were flagged a while ago,” he said.
“We don’t drop the ball on other area’s at the time, but crimes like anything trend up and down and it’s a matter of addressing the risk.”
Crime Prevention Officer Senior Constable Steve Cherry said the recent introduction of the online program Eyewatch was also proving effective.
“There has been a good response to Eyewatch which is like an updated Neighbourhood watch program but online,” he said.