Police operations targeting anti-social behaviour have led to a sharp decline in malicious damage offences around Griffith according to official crime statistics released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).
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Detective Acting-Inspector Cherie Knox from Griffith Local Area Command (LAC) attributed the drop in vandalism to high visibility policing and local licensing operations targeting anti social behaviour and alcohol related offences.
“Griffith LAC has been pro-active and adopted a zero tolerance to alcohol related crime,” Inspector Knox said. “Personal violence assaults are also down due to the Griffith licensing police adopting the consequence policing model.”
Sergeant Brett Ryan explained the model was to show there would be consequences for anti-social behaviour and actions.
“An example being if a person fails to leave a licensed premises or remain in the vicinity at the very minimum they may receive a $550 penalty notice or may be arrested and charged,” Sgt Ryan said.
The result was an increase in the Griffith LAC legal action rates for those offences, and a reduction in incidents of malicious damage and personal violence assaults.
In addition to active policing, diversion programs had been set up at the PCYC which contributed to a drop in reported youth-related incidents.
Inspector Knox said the rise in property crime and stolen motor vehicles correlated with increased substance abuse such as ice and other street-level drugs.
“Griffith LAC has seen a spike in property offences over the last year particularly since October 2014; this increase has been combated through pro-active police work resulting in a number of key arrests of recidivist offenders,” Inspector Knox said.
“Information from our local community has been instrumental in a number of these arrests and the use of social media. Community comments posted on the Griffith LAC Eyewatch page have assisted in the locating persons of interest for property crime - both residential and commercial.”
“The outcome is a substantial decline in May and June 2015 for property crime and related offences.
“Steal from motor vehicle offences remain a crime of opportunity - public awareness and education about taking your valuables(and spare keys) out of vehicles and making sure they are locked is important to stop further incidents.”
Police rely on community co-operation and information and anyone who could assist police in regards to drug supply were encouraged to contact Griffith Police on 02 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.