Residents have underscored the life-changing impacts of theft and the importance of feeling safe and secure in Wagga. 

It comes after the latest crime statistics revealed more than two Wagga homes a day have been broken into over a 12 month, equivalent to a break-in rate three times higher than the rest of the state between June 2015 to June 2016.

Wagga also ranked seventh in NSW for stealing from a vehicle or unsecured dwelling for that 12 month period. 

In response, Wagga police have used a “shock and awe” campaign targeting teen criminals these school holidays to great effect, reducing residential home break-ins within just a week-and-a-half. 

Detective Sergeant Ryan Sheaff hoped to extend Operation Assure to Christmas, but conceded manpower may need to be diverted earlier. 

“We get results wherever we allocate extra troops,” Detective Sergeant Sheaff said.

“Any reduction in reported break and enters to residential properties is another family that doesn't feel like they're stuff's been gone through.

“We'll conduct a review in a couple of weeks time with a view to extend Operation Assure, but there's always competing needs.”

Car theft victim Sarah Kirkman said the theft of her car had far-reaching ramifications, beyond monetary pain.

“The crime rate is so huge in Wagga, the government should be spending more money trying to prevent thefts happening quite so often,” Ms Kirkman said.

“Our car was stolen from our driveway in Tolland and the biggest impact was the difficulty getting to and from work.”

Wagga man William George said the brazen theft and burning of his first car also made it tough for him to hold down gainful employment.

Mr George said repeated thefts had a psychological impact on his parents, which went beyond the pain and suffering of losing any material possessions.

“When my car was stolen I couldn't get to and from work to earn a crust,” he said.

“When the people behind us were broken into three times my parents got to the stage they were scared for their safety, struggling to sleep, which detracted from enjoyment of their lives.”