Indecent assault and shoplifting are increasing in New South Wales, according to the latest crime statistics.
Indecent assault has risen by more than 8 per cent and shoplifting from a retail store has increased by just under 8 per cent. The worst affected area was the Sutherland shire of Sydney.
But there was also encouraging news from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research: the figures show healthy downtrends in seven major offences. Robbery with a firearm showed the largest decrease, of nearly 40 per cent.
Other major offences that trended down were robbery without a weapon (23.3 per cent), robbery with a weapon (not a firearm) (21.6 per cent, break and enter dwelling (7.8 per cent), break and enter non-dwelling (7.1 per cent) and steal from a motor vehicle (5.1 per cent).
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the figures reflected the constant hard work of all police officers across the state.
“Today’s results are a clear indication of [all police officers] daily dedication and resilience in performing their duties,” Mr Scipione said.
Murder has also declined, from 89 in the 12 months ending March 2015 to 64 in the 12 months to March 2016. – Paul Burns
Photo by Noel Fisher.
About the author
