In the lead up to Christmas, at least one business or home break-in, car theft or theft from a car had been reported every week since early November.
In some cases, multiple incidences of each were reported in one week.
The incidents were not only being reported in Deniliquin, with similar reports coming from Mathoura, Moulamein, Finley, Berrigan and the farming areas in between.
There appeared to be a bit of reprieve until last week, when car keys and a car were taken from a local caravan park. It was later recovered.
Since then, locals have taken to social media to advise other residents of thefts, prompting commentary on the level of crime from a number of residents.
At the time of going to print yesterday, not all the matters had been formally reported to police.
In those officially reported to police, a push bike was stolen from a bike rack at a restaurant in Charlotte St, Deniliquin about 955pm Saturday, and property was taken from a car parked in Wilkinson St, Deniliquin between 2.30pm Saturday and 10.30am Sunday.
A number of fishing rods were taken from the front yard of a west Deniliquin home about 10pm on December 29, and between 5pm Friday and 8am Saturday a car parked in Maher St was entered but nothing has been reported stolen.
Deniliquin Police Chief Inspector Michael Fuller said while it is not yet clear whether there are any links between any of the incidents, it is not uncommon for an offender or group of offenders to commit a number of crimes in an area.
He said police and the community must work together to try and stem the issue.
“Police continue to investigate instances of property crime in Deniliquin,” he said.
“This includes following up investigations and attempting to match forensic results and persons of interest.
“Police conduct patrols based upon intelligence around Deniliquin.
“Information to assist police in relation to locations of interest and persons of interest comes from police investigation and information from the community.
“The community can assist in a number of ways.
“It is important to report incidents of crime to police. This can be done either by calling Deniliquin Police Station (if not an urgent job where you would ring 000). You also have the option of reporting crime via the Police Assistance Line (131 444 or https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/ ).
“If you are a victim of a crime, other than in life threatening or time critical emergencies, you should contact the NSW Police Assistance Line (131 444) or report online through the NSWPF Community Portal (https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/).
“These reported crimes are then sent to Deniliquin Police to investigate, it can be an easier process and allows you to upload images and other information via the NSWPF Community Portal.”
Chief Insp Fuller said CrimeStoppers provides members of the public the ability to report information on criminals and or criminal activity anonymously to https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or 1800 333 000.
“It can often be the case that people in the community have information, or they know something, but are uncertain about going to a police station or being seen talking to police in the street.
“CrimeStoppers gives them the ability to get their information to the police, which in many cases leads to arrests as an outcome.
“It is important that any crime that occurs is reported. We can’t rely only on, as often happens in communities, what is reported on social media.”
Chief Insp Fuller said securing properties, cars and personal belongings can also help prevent you becoming a victim.
Other measures that can assist is investing in and maintaining good lighting and security equipment, and lock systems.
Lock up every time you leave, and have a friend or neighbour check on your home and remove built up mail if you will be away for an extended periods.
You should also engrave your items of property with a licence number or similar identification number, and keep records and photos of important items to assist police if they are stolen.
Most importantly, Chief Insp Fuller said if you see someone acting suspiciously, contact police.
“If it is urgent, and you are seriously concerned, you will never be criticised for calling 000 to get police to a location.
“If you have CCTV of people acting suspiciously around your property or have CCTV of an incident of property crime, this should be reported and provided to police.”
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