Perhaps it is because they are now so common, but “another day, another car fire” seems to have become our default position.

Somehow, we seem to be forgetting that every single one of those cars was owned by someone who needed it to get to work, to ferry around children or care for an elderly relative.

Every single person whose car has been stolen has not only lost a vehicle, but probably been left with the trauma of knowing thieves have been on their properties and possibly even inside their houses.

We should be able to feel safe in our own homes and yet, through no fault of their own, too many Wagga people are left feeling violated and vulnerable.

It is only right, then, that the candidates for the seat in the upcoming state election have recognised the issue is one of huge importance to the people of Wagga.

After a stolen car was torched in the car park behind the Gurwood Street Woolworths store, The Nationals’ candidate Mackenna Powell was right when she said “enough was enough”.

All of the candidates, along with current Member for Wagga, Joe McGirr, have acknowledged that more needs to be done to stop this scourge on our city.

While Dr McGirr has been calling for more police and a community action plan, others like Greens’ candidate Ray Goodlass want greater emphasis on understanding the social issues which could be driving the thefts.

The problem is complex and the reality is that all the candidates are raising important issues in the discussion about how best to stop the thefts.

More police officers are always going to be welcome and the courts should be able to send a strong message on deterrence, but we do also have to ask ourselves what is driving this crime spree. Stealing a car, only to torch it just hours later, seems utterly pointless.

And now that the candidates have all demonstrated they have strong views on the issue, it is up to us as voters to make sure they keep their promises.