Three Mathoura incidents were reported to police over the weekend, which are being investigated alongside continued break-ins in the Deniliquin area.
Mathoura resident Tom Weyrich said it has the whole community on edge again, saying “most of us don’t feel safe in our own homes”.
And he said the angst is heightened by the fact Mathoura’s police station is virtually condemned, meaning the community relies on Moama and Deniliquin-based officers.
The need for station upgrades has been raised on more than one occasion, usually ramping up when crime spikes.
Tom Weyrich started lobbying for the upgrades in 2023, when the front entrance was first deemed ‘out of bounds’ and he was still a councillor with Murray River Council.
As he was not re-elected to council in September, he is appealing to the new Murray River Council to continue to push the state government for the necessary funding.
“The immediate problem is the allocation of resources, and Mathoura is just not getting its fair share because our station is practically condemned,” he said.
“I can’t help but think a lack of a permanent station, and therefore officers in Mathoura while on duty, is involved in what we’ve been seeing lately.
“Reopening the station might not stop it completely, but it would certainly be more of a deterrent.
“This station not only protects the local community, but also the 4000 to 6000 additional people we attract in peak holidays periods like Christmas and Easter.
“It requires more attention from the New South Wales Government and our council.”
Murray River Police District Chief Inspector said two businesses in Mathoura reported break-ins, and the third incident was a residential break-in while the occupant was at home.
Money, computers, jewellery and household items have been reported missing from a licensed premise in Livingston St. The break-in is believed to have occurred about 1am Friday.
Another licensed venue on the Cobb Highway was broken into about 4.20am Monday, with a small amount of alcohol taken.
At the Mathoura St home, between midnight and 5am Sunday, personal items and cash were stolen from inside the home, and the resident’s car was also taken.
One new incident has also been reported in Deniliquin, in which a man entered a Wilkinson St home with a baseball bat about 10.20am Tuesday.
“The man is alleged to have spoken to the occupants, but did not make any threats, and then left the house. It is unclear if the man went to a wrong address,” Cheif Insp Fuller said.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is urged to contact Deniliquin Police on 5881 9299 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000. Calls to CrimeStoppers can remain anonymous.
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