Stealing from retail stores has risen by more than five per cent across New South Wales, with an alarming spike in the category across Coffs Harbour and Grafton.
According to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics, the region recorded a 40.4 per cent rise in the past 24 months to September this year.
“I am concerned by the increase in the ‘Steal from Retail Store’ category and encourage shop owners to review security measures,” said Deputy Premier and Police Minister Troy Grant.
He said he was also “disappointed” that first-time arrests have increased by more than 70 per cent in Coffs and Grafton.
Meanwhile in other regions, the New England North West recorded a rise of almost 25 per cent in stealing from retail stores, while stealing from motor vehicles was up more than 12 per cent in the Hunter.
