A new crime prevention working group will include at least one community member aged under 25 under terms of reference endorsed by Wagga councillors.
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A report to councillors noted that up to 83 per cent of Wagga's most common property crimes were committed by persons aged 10 to 29.
However, an attempt by Cr Yvonne Braid to move that Wagga Neighbourhood Watch and Wagga Business Chamber be given automatic seats on the working group did not receive support from other councillors.
Wagga City Council's new anti-crime group is one step closer to being established following a council meeting on Monday night.
Cr Braid argued that Neighbourhood Watch should not have to apply for one of three community seats on the group as they had "members across all areas of Wagga" who "know what's going on".
"I'd like to remind everyone that we would not be here without Neighbourhood Watch starting this," she said.
In 2017, 55 per cent of Wagga's break and enter offences were being committed by people aged under 18, according to Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data provided to the Council.
Cr Dan Hayes said the working group spot was a "perfect opportunity" for a young person who wanted to help and he hoped the council would set aside youth spots for other committees.
The terms of reference for the group will include voting members from the Wagga police, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, community and housing services, Aboriginal groups, the mayor and Wagga MP Joe McGirr.
Cr Vanessa Keenan said the council "had to draw the line somewhere" and encouraged Neighbourhood Watch to apply for the group.
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