Specialist crime teams and a targeted approach towards "crooks" on the street has seen a reduction in crime, according to the latest statistics from Wagga police.
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Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research's latest data shows from March 2018 to March 2019, Tolland, Ashmont, Central, Turvey Park and Lake Albert were some of the suburbs that saw an overall drop in the number of crimes committed from the previous 12 months.
Non-domestic violence related assaults, break and enters into dwellings, stealing from retail stores, stealing from homes and malicious damage to property were all down for the same period.
Domestic violence-related assaults, break and enters into non-dwellings, stealing from motor vehicles and motor vehicle thefts were all on the rise in the Wagga Local Government Area.
Central Wagga ranked the highest for domestic violence related assaults, stealing from motor vehicles and motor vehicle thefts, and East Wagga ranked the highest for break and enters into non-dwellings.
Kooringal, Glenfield Park Mount Austin and Boorooma saw an increase in the number of incidents overall compared to the previous 12 months.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Spliet said the police's strategy since January had been focused "on the crooks out there who are doing crime at the time".
"Break and enters into dwellings, for the last five months have been the lowest that we have seen in many years," he said.
"In the last six months, malicious damage has seen sustained reductions from month to month. It's the least amount of malicious damage offences we have seen since before 2005."
Inspector Spliet said the number of stolen motor vehicles in March, May and June are the lowest in the last four years.
"Stealing from motor vehicles, over the last two financial years, has been the lowest we have seen since 2005 to 2006," he said.
"Stealing from persons has also been the lowest since 2005 to 2006. Despite what comes out as the perception in the community, crimes in those areas are going down."
Inspector Spliet said based on these figures the community in some aspects is safer than it was in 2005. He said crime increases in Boorooma could be attributed to a growing population.
"You only have to look at the extra houses that have gone into those parts of town, even over the last two years," Inspector Spliet said.
"I can say we give a lot of attention to that area.
"We have some people who we recently did a search warrant on and a specific person on bail for property offences.
"We will continue to identify those people, and we will continue to target them."
Inspector Spliet said when it comes to crime in Wagga, the perception is not always the reality.
"Based on these figures we are going in the right direction, and the community should feel safe, and if there's anything we can do to assist, then please give us a call," he said.
Tim Towse has owned the Silvalite Ashmont service station for 13 years and in that time has dealt with the repercussions of at least 10 break-ins.
"We have had two so far this year," he said.
"We were ram-raided and previous to that we had one of the windows removed and they entered through the side of the store.
"Depending on the severity, there can be a loss of trade, a loss of property and it comes down to the general annoyance and concern about whether they will target us again soon."
Mr Towse said they had done as much as they can to shore up security, apart from putting bars on the windows.
"That would make it look like a prison," he said.
Mr Towse thought the reason behind more break-ins at non-dwellings could be attributed to ease of access or better opportunities.
He said he was not surprised the rates in Ashmont had gone down overall as he has noticed a higher police presence paired with community engagement.
"I think they probably have also apprehended some of the offenders," Mr Towse said.
"It's also amazing how the community has supported us."
Booroma was one suburb that saw an increase. It had 32 incidents compared to 13 for the previous 12 months.
Timothy Wilson, a Boorooma resident and owner of a security company, said he was not surprised by the statistics showing instances of crime had doubled.
"Crime was quite low going back six months to 12 months ago," he said.
"You would never hear anything.
"Now, in the last six months, I would say there has been an increase of crime targeting houses and cars."
Mr Wilson said the community is more aware of what can happen in their suburb, but people should not have to stress about whether or not they are safe.
"People have to make sure cars are locked and in their garage," he said.
"You have to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. It impacts people's mental health."
Mr Wilson said although the numbers might not seem high, for a small suburb it is.
"As a resident out there it was quiet, and the river was a physical barrier for people and the rest of the city, so it's not quite as easy to just walk around," he said.
"People who are living in the area now are causing the problems."
As the owner of a security company, Mr Wilson said he had seen a marked increase in the number of people wanting to install CCTV systems.
"I would put it down to increased crime and the increased awareness of crime, especially due to the news and social media," he said.
"Also, people realise how useful it is to have the footage there for the police to use."
A Turvey Park resident, who did not wish to be named, said she grew up in Sydney but has lived in the area for six years.
"I think even though crime is not on the rise, I think we are seeing a lot more of it now because people share footage," she said.
"Also, being in a country city, I think people talk about these things more compared to Sydney, so it seems like it is happening all the time."
The woman said she would be installing a security system as a deterrent and a safety net in case the worst should occur.
"It's the fear of having someone in your home when it is meant to be your haven," she said. "Our neighbour was sitting in her lounge room when a teenager ran up our side and broke into her back door, stealing her bag.
"They found her bag down the street without the cash in it."
Overall, the Turvey Park resident said she feels safe in her community, adding the police have a played a large part in that.
"I know how hard the police are working," she said.
"We have called them for a few issues, and they have been very responsive and have always followed up."