WALLSEND MP Sonia Hornery has called on residents to report crime directly to police, after her office was contacted about a spate of break-in related offences.
"People are reporting to me that there has been a dramatic increase in break-ins or attempted break-ins to cars and homes right across the Wallsend electorate," Ms Hornery said.
"Unfortunately many people are not reporting this activity because the items stolen have little to no value or they didn't actually steal anything.
"Once these activities have been reported to Police, I am happy for people to let me know about them so I can raise these issues."
Ms Hornery took to social media on Thursday, April 28, saying she had received "about 20 separate videos and photos" of break-in related crime around Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Lambton.
Of the 20 people, Ms Hornery said, only two had contacted police about the incidents.
While NSW Police did not provide comment about recent trends, a spokesperson said they had not seen a "noteworthy" increase of reports in the area and encouraged people to report suspected crime to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
According to the most recent NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) reports, crime across the state has dropped from pre-pandemic levels.
For the Newcastle local government area, "break and enter dwelling" fell from 831 cases in 2020 to 781 in 2021. This trend was also true for "motor vehicle theft" which fell from 541 to 492 cases.
However, while BOCSAR still deems the numbers to be stable, "steal from motor vehicle" incidents grew from 1381 in 2020 to 1478 the following year.
Sonia Hornery said action can't be taken to address suspected crime if incidents "are not reported through the correct channels".
"So the issue isn't the lack of police, it's the lack of reporting," Ms Hornery said.
"I will be following up with the local police commanders and hope to see perpetrators brought to justice.
"I would encourage everyone to check their CCTV and report every single incident of a break-in or an attempted break-in to Crimestoppers."
