More than three cars are being stolen in Wagga on average per week, with new crime statistics revealing Ashmont as the largest hotspot for vehicle theft.
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NSW crime data released this week shows an increase in vehicle thefts but a decrease in thefts of items left in cars.
The area surrounding Ashmont’s Tobruk Street, Tolland’s Raye Street and Kooringal’s Ziegler Avenue were among the popular spots for car theft.
Heather Tilden is just one victim who has been struck by crime at Ashmont, waking up to find her “pride and joy”, a Sydney team-themed V8, enveloped in flames in 2017.
Ms Tilden now struggles to sleep through the night, hearing burnouts, explosions and various other noises.
“I’m awake with all the noises since my car was targeted,” she said.
You’re awake more and you stay up later.”
NSW crime data released this week shows 185 cars were stolen between December 2016 and 2017, as compared to the previous year, when just 151 cars were targeted.
A resident of 20 years, Ms Tilden had never had any problems with the neighbourhood until the incident.
Despite the statistics and her ongoing concern, Ms Tilden said you can’t single out an area.
“You don’t know if they’re using Ashmont as a target or where they’re coming from,” she said.
“They might be from out of town – it’s all over Wagga.
“Singling out one place is how people will turn against each other.”
While Ms Tilden said she believed police were doing their jobs, the court system was letting them down.
“I still feel so sorry for them (those who have had cars stolen),” she said.
“It’s a real gut wrenching feeling and lots of people don’t have insurance.
“They can’t always replace their cars and it’s really sad.”
Having come out the other side, Ms Tilden has reminded all of Wagga to stay alert.
“Every time a dog barks it’s for a reason – get up, have a look and check in with your neighbours,” she said.
Statistics also revealed items stolen from cars were down 19 per cent, recording 685 incidents to 554 the previous year.
A Wagga towing company said the amount of stolen vehicles picked up varies in areas across Wagga but weekends were the most popular time.
Wagga crime manager Detective Inspector Darren Cloake said 14 to 17 year old’s were still responsible for about 25 per cent of the city’s crime.
“Statistics showed that age were responsible for break and enters, stolen motor vehicles and retail theft,” he said.
“Not much has changed there, our programs and youth intervention still continues.”
