Canterbury Bankstown sees big drop in crimes over four years
Canterbury Bankstown has experienced a 15 per cent drop in crime over the past four years, according to the latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research statistics.
The Express
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Canterbury Bankstown has seen a welcome reduction in crime across several serious categories in the past four years.
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research’s report from June 2015-June 2019 shows domestic violence, fraud, malicious damage to property and theft has fallen by 15 per cent.
The news comes just three months after Canterbury Bankstown was ranked second highest for murders and highest for abductions and kidnappings in the state from April 2018-June 2019.
The BOSCAR report shows that crime in Canterbury-Bankstown dropped by 2.2 per cent over the past two years, while people hauled up before the courts in NSW rose by three per cent in that period. In contrast, the number of juveniles going to court fell 7 per cent statewide.
Bankstown Police commander Supt Murray Reynolds, who took charge in August, told The Express that his officers were proactive and regularly check on known offenders, especially those with Apprehended Violence Orders.
“We target crime hot spots and known offenders, we ensure we are engaging and intervening with known offenders,” Supt Reynolds said.
“This includes checking that people are complying with court orders.
“Just last weekend we conducted operation ‘resolve’ across the south west metropolitan region targeting domestic violence offenders.
“We conducted over 800 checks to ensure that people were complying with Apprehended Violence Orders.”
TEEN ATTACKED BY KNIFE-WIELDING DUO
There were 515 thefts recorded in Canterbury-Bankstown, between June 2017-2019. The figure was well below Sydney (2,829), Blacktown (1,410), Central Coast (1,010), Newcastle (922) and Wollongong (900).
Mayor Khal Asfour, while welcoming the news, said it was important to continue to take a strong stance on bad behaviour.
“Unfortunately, crime affects everyone in some way and to see it progressively drop in the city is encouraging,” he said.
“We’re also doing really well compared to other areas, especially considering the size of our population, but we should not let this make us complacent.”
The BOSCAR report found that theft from retail stores — especially at licensed premises and supermarkets — rose 6.5 per cent from June 2017-2019. The most commonly stolen items were alcohol and cosmetics.
Coincidentally, the council is hosting its annual Community Safety Expo on Saturday, October 12, from 9am-5pm, at Bankstown Central, in conjunction with emergency services.
The council is also working with police to check commuter car parks and other hot spot locations for signs of theft from motor vehicles.
LONG WEEKEND WARNING
With the rugby league grand final during this long weekend, Supt Murray urged residents and motorists to do the right thing.
He urged fans to keep the rivalry family-friendly.
“If people are celebrating over the weekend we ask that they be responsible for their actions,” Supt Reynolds said.
“Any anti-social or criminal behaviour will have consequences.
“Over the long weekend we are conducting Operation Slow Down where police will be targeting drink driving and road safety.
“We encourage people to enjoy the weekend but be safe.”