THE Mid North Coast Local Area Commander has confirmed that the deployment of an additional police officer to Wauchope has helped combat crime in the area.
Superintendent Peter Thurtell also confirmed that proactive policing strategies will continue to be deployed ... as part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Wauchope.
"A number of operations are underway targeting various forms of criminal activity," Supt Thurtell said.
"Wauchope Sector forms part of the Camden Haven Cluster which is covered by nine full-time officers. They work a variation of day and late afternoon shifts, and the vast deployment of those officers is in Wauchope and Laurieton.
"An additional officer from Port Macquarie was specifically placed into the Wauchope Sector for three months from February 19 2012 to provide a greater operational capacity. Crime statistics for break and enter offences in 2012 reveal there has been a 51% reduction compared to the same period in 2011 and a 34% reduction on the same period in 2010.
"So far this year there have been 18 break-and-enters into private residences and 20 into commercial premises. Of these reported incidents, there has only been one break and enter into a residence during May and three into commercial premises.
"Robbery incidents remain very low with one attempted armed robbery reported during 2012 and three in the past 12 months."
Supt Thurtell said as part of the ongoing strategy to combat crime, not just in Wauchope but throughout the Mid North Coast LAC, 'we will continue to deploy general duties police, Target Action Group (TAG) officers, detectives, Highway Patrol, and Crime Management Unit staff in accordance with operational needs'.
"Police will actively investigate all reports of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, and I would appeal for all members of the community to assist us in our strategies to keep our local area and its residents safe. It is important that both residents and commercial operators alike take active steps to ensure that their properties are adequately secured.
"It is our experience that security of a property is the most important factor in preventing offenders from breaking into premises."