Key crime data released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows that crime rates fell sharply in the six week period from mid-March 2020.
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The figures were part of a latest BOCSAR report released in June.
Crime figures indicate that crime was significantly reduced during this period as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were introduced.
The data covers key offences comparing recorded crime rates with the expected level based on data from previous years.
The study found large decreases in many crime categories.
These included:
- Robbery - down 42%
- Non-domestic assault - down 39%
- Sexual offences - down 32%
- Break and enter-dwelling (down 29%) and break and enter - non-dwelling (down 25%)
- Steal from motor vehicle (down 34%) and car theft (down 24%)
- Shop lifting - down 55%
Some crimes remained stable including DV assault and certain drug offences.
BOCSAR executive director, Jackie Fitzgerald, noted that in many ways it is not surprising that the huge social upheaval caused by the lockdown also interrupted criminal activity.
"It also seems likely that, as restrictions are relaxed and NSW residents resume regular activities, crime rates will return to normal levels," she said.
Meanwhile the latest quarterly figures for the Port Macquarie-Hastings is highlighted by an increase in breach bail condition offences.
The collated information covers the three months to March 2020.
In the previous 24 month period, there has been an increase of 30.5 per cent in breaching bail conditions and an increase of 25.2 per cent in the previous 60 months.
Other increases were noted in prohibited and regulated weapons offences - up 27.1 per cent and up 19.8 per cent respectively.
These results are because of the good, proactive police work.
- Detective acting inspector Chris Hardwick
Possession and or use of amphetamines is also up - 37.5 per cent and 15.4 per cent.
Offensive conduct and offensive language was stable over the previous 24 months and down 13.2 per cent and 13.7 per cent respectively.
Mid North Coast Police detective acting inspector and acting crime manager Chris Hardwick described the results as "good".
"These results are because of the good, proactive police work," he said.
"COVID-19 restrictions have contributed to the reduction of some local crime statistics including offensive conduct and offensive language.
"There is also a good result in the hinder police officer category too.
"I think these statistics indicated that everything is pretty stable in our region, which is great to see," he said.
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