There has been a rise in recorded shoplifting cases across three Hunter local government areas, while fraud, sexual assault and motor vehicle theft have increased in parts of the region, new data shows.
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released its quarterly report this week, containing a breakdown of trends across the state over the two years to September, 2019.
The figures showed that cases of theft from a retail store jumped by 42.6 per cent at Singleton, 15.4 per cent in Newcastle and 14.8 per cent at Lake Macquarie during that period - mirroring a statewide trend.
Thefts from motor vehicles in the Hunter outside Newcastle increased by 12.1 per cent, while fraud soared by 70.1 per cent in Muswellbrook and cases of sexual assault jumped by 49.2 per cent at Port Stephens.
Robbery armed with a weapon other than a firearm dropped by 45.1 per cent in Newcastle, break and enters at homes in Maitland decreased by almost 20 per cent, as did cases of malicious damage to property at Lake Macquarie.
Lake Macquarie commander Superintendent Danny Sullivan said the figures showed the overall crime rate was stable or falling in most categories in his police district.
He said the drop in malicious damage was partly a result of the work of North Lakes Community Collaborative, which engaged young people in the community to prevent youth crime.
"Another highlight of the BOCSAR data shows legal actions in relation to shoplifting - this is as a direct result of proactive policing activities," Superintendent Sullivan said.
"We have an active partnership with the major shopping precincts in our district and have zero tolerance for thieves.
"The Lake Macquarie Police District actively uses social media to target property offenders and our success in apprehending them is aided by our strong relationship with the community - regional policing is an all-of-community effort."
Commissioner Mick Fuller said police would continue to implement measures to stay ahead of crime.
"Police have a range of capabilities available to them that are used to stay ahead of criminals planning to commit these crimes," Commissioner Fuller said.
"Our focus will always be community safety and we will continue our efforts to disrupt crime before it happens."
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