Rodney Stevens
Despite a recent crime spree where four cars were stolen within two days at Yamba, police say property crime is on a downward trend in the Lower Clarence.
Coffs Clarence Police District acting Inspector Nick Wiles said despite this decline in thefts in the Lower Clarence since January, police continue to remind residents to lock up their cars and homes.
“Although property Crime in the Lower River has been steadily decreasing month on month this year police are reminding residents and tourists alike to “Lock it or Lose it,” he said.
“Research shows that 80 per-cent of stolen vehicles are unlocked with the keys inside.”
Over the past 12 months, Acting Inspector Wiles said the Lower Clarence area experienced on average one car theft per week, with almost every one of these vehicles being reported to police as being unlocked with the keys inside.
He said property offences as a crime type in the Lower Clarence had fallen month-on-month this year, from a two-year peak in January, to a two-year low in April.
“Police in Yamba are investigating the circumstances in which 3 vehicles were stolen between the 30th of April and the 1st of May and a fourth vehicle, located burnt on Orion Drive,” he said.
“Local Police are working closely with police within the Richmond Police District examining if these offences are linked to a number of other crimes committed in the Tabulam area.”
Police doorknocked the areas of Orion Drive, Bayview Crescent, and Kallatina Place, on May 2 to inform residents to keep their homes and cars locked after the recent thefts.
A red Jeep Four Wheel Drive stolen from Kallatina Place on May 1 is yet to be found.
The hatchback found burnt-out on Orion Drive was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW Yamba brigade at 12.48am on May 2, and removed from its location on May 10.
Anyone with any information on any break-ins or thefts in Yamba or the Lower Clarence between April 30 and May 1 is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.