Two Deniliquin businesses were targeted by thieves last week as crime rates across the state rise according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics.
Worryingly for local businesses and residents, the Edward River Council LGA is above the state average for break and enter reports, figures released on June 15 show.
HQV Bargains was broken into for the second time in recent weeks with thieves smashing a side window to gain entry on Thursday night.
Store Manager Sandra King said the assailants turned off the security cameras once inside the business.
“We had a great response from police and forensics,” she said.
“There was more items taken this time.”
The Pastoral Times understands some goods have already been recovered and persons of interest have been questioned by police.
“It’s annoying and an inconvenience,” Mrs King said.
Intersport Bennetts was also hit with numerous items taken from the property in a brazen attack.
Assailants smashed through the front door to gain access to the popular sports store.
Intersport Bennetts has recently changed hands and previous owner Rowan Bennett said the break-in was ‘extremely disappointing’.
The store’s new owners have increased security with alarms and extra cameras.
In the two years to March 2023, five of the 13 major crime categories in NSW showed a significant upward trend:
Domestic violence related assault (up 5.2%)
Non-domestic violence related assault (up 13.0%)
Break and enter dwelling (up 8.6%)
Steal from retail store (up 37.6%)
Motor vehicle theft (up 21.3%)
The upward trends in break and enter-dwelling, steal from retail store and motor vehicle theft generally reflect a recovery from COVID-related crime falls and return towards pre-pandemic crime levels.
Across NSW, the rate per 100,000 for incidents of theft is 188. In the Edward River LGA, the rate is higher at 260.8.
The rate for malicious damage to property across the state is 604 per 100,000. In the Edward River LGA it is significantly higher at 1209.
The recently restored rotunda in the Waring Gardens, the Rocket Park and Deniliquin Swim Centre have all been targeted by vandals in recent months.
Edward River Council mayor Peta Betts recently took to social media to comment on recent acts of vandalism in Deniliquin.
“We live in one of the most beautiful country towns and yet there are still some amongst us who have to ruin it for others,” she said.
“It is unfair that our Edward River Council staff have to clean after these people and the ratepayers pay for it.”
Police investigations into the break-ins at HQV Bargains and Intersport Bennetts are continuing.
Anyone with information which may assist are asked to call the Deniliquin Police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.