If there has been a silver lining to the world wide coronavirus pandemic in Port Stephens it has been a decrease in crime.
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According to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District's crime manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, crime "right across the board" in the local government area has trended down since pandemic began affecting public life in March, which has allowed police to focus their attention to proactivity, education and assisting efforts to check travel permits on the Victorian-NSW border.
"It really has been an unprecedented year. It's not something any of us have experienced before. COVID has certainly had a massive impact on crime... a good impact on crime," Detective Inspector Urquhart said.
"Generally speaking there has been less of the 'normal' crimes. Most, if not all, crime types are down. This has allowed police to be diverted to some other areas where there are extra duties.
"We've been supplying staff regularly down to the Victorian border. There's also been a lot more work in ensuring compliance around the ever changing COVID rules and regulations."
Theories as to why crime is down strongly rides on the back of the NSW-wide public lockdown in the early months of the pandemic.
With residents told to stay home and threats of $11,000 fines if caught outside without a reasonable excuse, there has been little opportunity for crime to be committed.
Additionally, fears in the early weeks of the pandemic that rates of domestic violence would spike appear to have not come to fruition in Port Stephens.
"Thankfully there's no evidence to support that this has occurred. That is partly because it's very well reported now. You certainly don't want an increase in domestic violence," the crime manager said.
Since NSW shut the border to Victoria on July 8 the Port Stephens police district has sent 12 staff each week to assist with vehicle stops and permit check.
Boosting the district's ranks, three new probationary constables, Thomas Anderson, Liam Watson and Brad Elbourn, began their new positions on August 17.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
