Across Hilltops council area, reports of stolen vehicles jumped from 22 to 40 in the latest snapshot from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, detailing the crime numbers in the 12 months to September, this year.

Rates of steal from dewlling also spiked from 40 to 81 incidents between October last year and September 2018. Almost 40 less sexual assaults occurred in the Hilltops with 13 incidents investigated by police in the 12 months to September, compared to 49 in the previous year.

Acting Inspector of Young Police Michael Madgwick explained that passengers in stolen vehicles count as a statistic under motor vehicle theft.

READ ALSO: HSC school rankings in the Central West

While that fact may balloon the figure, he said police are aware there’s been a spike.

“The category of motor vehicle theft also covers several other offences that include the charging of the passengers in the stolen vehicle at the time,” he said. 

“We have successfully arrested and charged a number of people with offences in this category with convictions recorded.”

He said steal from dwelling involves items stolen from yards or open garages, and becomes more prevalent at this time of year.

A lot of theft is “opportunistic”, Mr Madgwick said.

“The offenders don’t not have to open a door to get to the items. This time of year involves the stealing of Christmas lights for example,” Mr Madgwick said.

“Theft is usually an opportunistic crime, if a vehicle is unlocked or the keys left in it then this greatly increases the success rate for criminals, if toys or personal items are left in the front yard or the garage is open with valuable tools visible then a criminal will have free reign to these items.”

READ ALSO: Christmas lights map shows best displays in town

Rates of sexual assault are at five-year low in the region.

Police contribute it to peoples’ awareness and education of the crime.

“When out socialising, being aware of the group of people you are with, not being vulnerable and having a plan to get home safely,” Mr Madgwick said.

“This is a category that is increasing in many areas across the state, to have it decreasing is pleasing for our communities.”

While sexual assault incidents dropped significantly in the 12 months to September this year, Mr Madgwick identified alcohol fueled assaults as a concern for the region.

Both domestic violence related assaults and non-domestic violence related assaults were up.

Police are urging people to make smarter decisions when consuming alcohol.

“Assaults are always an area for concern especially when it involves consuming alcohol,” he said.

“Police and ambulance officers regularly have to deal with aggressive and  intoxicated patrons who think they can assault people on a Friday or Saturday night. 

“The police work well with the hotels and clubs in our community and there is a lot education across many media platforms about excessive alcohol consumption. 

“The onus is on the individual to be smart and not be quick to react over minor issues when intoxicated. 

“People tend to sober up quickly when they sit in a police cell or get stitches in Hospital.”

READ ALSO: Man caught carrying drugs

Rates of intimidation, stalking or harassment was up from 87 to 112 in the 12 months to September this year. 

People caught carrying or using cannabis and methamphetamine were both up on the previous 12 months.

Fraud was down and break-enters dropped.