Juvenile crime, rural crime, the criminal justice system and understaffing at the local police station were issues brought up at a Narromine community meeting.
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Over 150 people gathered at the USMC to address the issue of crime in the Shire last week.
Local MP, minister for policing and deputy premier, Troy Grant, Orana LAC Inspector Dan Skelly and Superintendent Scott Tanner were some of the guests to speak at the evening and answer questions from the crowd.
Mr Grant said he is hearing what the Narromine people are concerned about.
“The turn out is important, you’re here in numbers, you show strength in community. Keep coming and keep showing you are strong,” he said.
Mr Grant said they were low on police around the state, even places that were desirable places to work in the past are currently understaffed.
“No one wants to come regional. Already incentives for police to come west of the Newell but there is an opportunity for more incentives to attract people to these areas,” he said.
We used to be able to leave our cars unlocked but it’s a different society now.
- Superintendent Scott Tanner
“If you get police to your areas, make sure the local people make them feel invited into your community."
Superintendent Tanner asked people to be aware of their security and to report crime.
“Report crime, turn up in numbers like you have today, report crime to crime stoppers or the local community portal and maintain awareness of your personal security,” he said.
“You’d be surprised how many stolen cars have the keys in the ignition. We used to be able to leave our cars unlocked but it’s a different society now, but don’t be afraid to live your life.
“There are crime problems in Narromine. There are peaks and troughs.”
Superintendent Tanner said criminals are not intelligent.
“They have to be lucky every time, we only have to be lucky once,” he said.