Local crime decline
On the back of a Grand Final long weekend, Barrier Police District with a range of jobs were kept busy but reassure residents that crime is on the decrease.
Broken Hill crime update
Detective Acting Inspector Dwayne De Vries, Crime Manager with Barrier Police, said there’s been a considerable reduction in crime across the region in the past few months due to staffing issues at the station being resolved.
“Barrier Police staff numbers were down a while back but we’re now sitting at more than 90 per cent staffing, so we’ve seen a reduction in property related crime since July,” Detective De Vries told the Truth this week.
Barrier Police may have seen a downward trend in crime around the Broken Hill region since July, but said they observed a spike in calls about domestic unrest across the Labour Day long weekend.
“We had 30 calls about domestic disturbances over the weekend with nine calls leading to people being either investigated or charged with domestic violence,” said Detective De Vries.
“The other calls were what we refer to as DV episodes, or verbal arguments, that police on duty were able to manage, with alcohol consumption generally playing a part in disputes.”
The number of stolen vehicles has dropped significantly around the Silver City since police initiated a community awareness campaign.
“Vehicles stolen around the Broken Hill region are usually taken by opportunistic thieves because owners have left them unlocked, and sometimes even with keys in them,” said Detective De Vries.
“Most cars are recovered and returned to owners, although a little worse for wear after joyrides.
“Police are working closely with organisations like PCYC and Making Tracks in an effort to re-engage at-risk youth in our community so that they know we care about their wellbeing, and about their future.
“Finding activities to keep them positively engaged in community is key.”
Safe storage of firearms reminder
On Tuesday September 25 around 10pm, a 26-year-old man presented himself to Menindee Health Service on Perry Street in Menindee with a gunshot wound to his hand.
He was treated at the health service before being airlifted to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a stable condition. Officers attached to Barrier Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Barrier Police want to highlight the importance of safe storage of firearms,” said Detective De Vries.
“The community would have noticed an increase in safe storage inspections across the region, and this will continue to ensure good governance and the safety of the community.”
National Police Remembrance Day
Barrier Police gathered for National Police Remembrance Day last week in a sombre service at Wesley Uniting Church on Friday September – a date that holds special significant for Police across the country each year.
Joined by friends, family, and community leaders, Barrier Police staff remembered officers from the NSW Police Force and across Australia who died in the course of their duties in the past year, also honouring officers who’ve lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.
