BRUISED and blinded by fear, Himan Rawal is the human face of an inhuman crime epidemic.
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While opening the gates of the Ashmont Mall early on Sunday morning, the newsagency owner was confronted and shaken down by two masked teens.
They escaped with the keys to his store.
They also took something more intangible but far more important –his trust in the community.
Like many victims of crime, Mr Rawal has been left deeply shaken and terrified by his ordeal.
He is frightened to be in his own store but knows it’s the only way he can support his family.
He holds genuine fears the next robbery could cost him his life.
The bruises on his face will clear soon enough, the scars seared into his mind will not.
The early morning shadows will now hold more menace for Mr Riwal.
The noises at night will carry a more sinister tone.
His is the all-too-often forgotten journey of crime victims.
The media cycle doesn’t help our understanding of that journey.
It tends to follow a distinctive rhythm: media outlets breathlessly report serious crime, speaking to witnesses and victims.
But after the media circus leaves town, the story continues.
Victims and their loved-ones must re-assemble their lives.
For people like Mr Rawal, that could take years.
The robbery comes as new figures reveal just how entrenched serious crime is in our city.
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data shows Wagga was ranked the sixth worst crime hotspot in the state between September 2014 and September 2015.
It was the worst postcode for home break-ins in NSW during the same period.
That ranks us above notorious crime suburbs such as Mt Druitt, Campbelltown and Liverpool.
Last week, Wagga Police launched its new “shock and awe” assault on teen crime, named Operation Assure. In a few short days, it is already making inroads, with a barrage of key arrests.
Our job now is to help police identify more offenders and ensure the operation continues to be a success.