Wagga's state election candidates have condemned a new and brazen escalation in the city's ongoing issue with car theft and arson.
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Early morning shoppers were greeted on Tuesday with the sight of a burnt-out car in the Gurwood Street Woolworths car park.
The city has seen more than 100 car fires in the past 12 months, but previous incidents tended to occur in more secluded areas.
Wagga Nationals candidate Mackenna Powell visited the fire scene on Tuesday morning and declared "enough is enough”.
“Another night in Wagga and another burnt-out car,” she said.
“Every member of the community has the right to feel safe in their home.”
Wagga Police were unable to confirm if the Nissan four-wheel drive was stolen prior to the fire or just set alight.
Wagga MP Joe McGirr said the number of cars stolen and burned out across recent months has been "alarming" and "everyone is sick of it" but police were making progress.
"While their frustration is something I certainly share, I do not believe this incident...to be a new low for Wagga," Dr McGirr said.
“After speaking with police, I was told the incident appeared be unrelated to the string of torched cars reported across the Christmas holiday period."
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Dr McGirr said he would lobby the state government to improve the police-to-population ratio in the Riverina Police District.
Labor candidate Dan Hayes said the government had "failed" over the past eight years on crime.
"Labor has committed to 1500 additional police officers throughout NSW," he said,
"We have also committed to increasing the support programs for police officers physical and mental health by $12 million to help officers recover and be supported so they can return to the job."
Shooters party candidate Seb McDonagh said juveniles were linked to a many of the car thefts and their ease of access to bail was leading to more offences.
Mr McDonagh said all repeat offenders on bail should be made to wear location-tracking ankle bracelets.
Australian Conservatives candidate Colin Taggart also criticised the "ludicrous catch and release" bail system and pledged to be 'tough on crime" and its causes.