A PETTY crime spike in Hay is destroying the town’s social fabric and driving people to desperation, according to one of the town’s community advocates.
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Krista Schade will lead a grassroots campaign designed to boost police numbers in the Riverina town, with fears victims of crime could be moved to take the law into their own hands.
Ms Schade points to “lack of action” and “endless chances” given by the courts as a reason for a marked increase in break-and-enters and vandalism.
“Normal everyday people have had so much of a gutful of stupid little things that the dynamic of our town is changing,” she said.
“Up until probably five years ago, people wouldn’t have locked their doors when they went on holidays. In the last six months, every door and window is locked.
“To everybody else it’s just common sense, but this is a real change for our community.”
Earlier this year, the community rallied after the popular South Hay Hotel fell victim to a brazen theft of more than $2000 in donations to a cancer charity. At the time, many people reportedly knew the perpetrators – the act was even captured on CCTV – but arrests were not made until months later.
Ms Schade believes the most recent spate of crime was being carried out by repeat offenders.
“They don’t get in trouble the first time, the kids are constantly named, seen, spoken to, but the crime still happens,” she said.
“It’s either not being reported, or it is being reported and not being carried up the chain.”
The small business worker has written to community leaders and hopes to “get the ball rolling” on securing more police.
According to NSW Police figures, Denliliquin Local Area Command, which covers Hay, has a capacity of 71 police. Hay also has its own police station, but is only staffed by six officers.
Ms Schade believes the Hay police station should be open 24 hours and wants the introduction of a late-night bus service so revelers can return home safe.
“If we don’t do something now, where does this end?” Ms Schade said. “We don’t want to be a town of inaction.”