Inverell, a true gem in the Northern Tablelands, with its warm and welcoming community, seems hardly a burglary hot spot. Appearances can be deceiving however, and this was made clear by the alarming figures of the draft Crime Prevention Plan released to the public on Wednesday.
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Early notification can prevent a crime.
- Rowan O'Brien
The report shows 246 per cent more break-ins in Inverell than the state average.
Inspector Rowan O’Brien could not comment on the percentage shown and how it was obtained, but he did point to police facts that show 25 break-ins in Inverell since January 1. The numbers don’t seem alarming, but Inspector O’Brien said that the figure is up from 16 burglaries historically noted around this period.
The increase doesn’t mean that Inverell is on an upward crime spiral. “From time to time we may note a spike of break and enters, and this is just one of them,” Inspector O’Brien said.
This time around, there are some unusual elements. “It is spread throughout town rather targeting one particular area,” Inspector O’Brien said. “Usually, this isn’t the case.”
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Most of the burglaries take place from 9.30pm to 5am, when people are asleep.
On Wednesday, burglars took money from an elderly lady’s wallet on Short Street after entering her house from an open window protected by nothing but a mosquito screen. Another incident had burglars entering a Brae Street home through a pet door. It did not bother them that owners were in the house.
Inspector O’Brien warns people to keep their doors and windows shut despite the heat. Doors should be locked. “The harder it is for them to enter, the less likely they will be to try,” Inspector O’Brien said.
Perpetrators often use push bikes or drive through rear access lanes. “It is important to keep an eye out on neighbours’ property. If you see anything suspicious, call the police immediately,” Inspector O’Brien said.
“Often people see prowlers in their backyard but don’t notify us until the morning. But by then, it is too late.
“People don’t want to bother us, but we would much rather they notify us if they see anything suspicious. Early notification can prevent a crime.”