Crime rates are largely stable or falling across the Gunnedah district and regional NSW according to data from the one of the state’s top cops. But the figures also show the crime rates are still twice or three times higher than the state average, on a per capita basis.

That’s worrying for state MP, Kevin Anderson, who would like to see a judicial overhaul of the way crimes committed by youth, are addressed.

In a recent meeting with the Country Mayors Association, NSW Police Force Acting Deputy Commissioner Brett Greentree said it was important to communicate with communities to instil confidence about crime reduction measures.

“Everyone needs to spread the good word and highly publicise positive outcomes because fear of crime impacts quality of life,” he said.

On regional crime trends, he said robbery was down by 8%, steal from motor vehicle down 11%, break and enter down 4%, sexual assault and drug related crime was stable, an increase in motor vehicle theft up 3.3%, domestic violence related crime up 4%, breach of bail up 12.3% resulting from targeted operations.

The acting deputy commissioner also provided an update on ‘Operation Soteria’ which is targeting regional youth crime across the state. The latest statistics show the police operation has the addressed 340 break and enters; 137 juveniles were charged, with 34% of them already charged or on bail at the time; and 92 offenders have been charged with new ‘Boast and Post’ offences related to social media.

One of the most visible incidents of crime in Gunnedah area has been motor vehicle theft.

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research between April 2024 and March 2025, the Gunnedah Local Government Area recorded 60 motor vehicle thefts. This was down from 69 incidents the previous year and 77 prior to that.

Break and enter dwelling has fallen from 134 incidents in the Gunnedah LGA in 2021-22 to 101 in 12 months to March 2025.

Other offences such as non-domestic assault, however, are up from 109 to 122 over the same reporting period.

While the data has remained stable over a two-year and even 10-year trends, Gunnedah’s LGA ratio to the rest of NSW remains consistently above in most offence categories, particularly stealing and break and enter-related crimes.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the level of crime is “deeply concerning”, particularly in the young offender cohort.

“The 11, 12 and 13 year olds, we weren’t seeing that type of age group and the level of brazen crime 10-15 years ago,” he said. “The face of crime is so young, that is deeply concerning.”

Mr Anderson highlighted how this type of crime “came in waves” with country towns and communities terrorised by young criminals.

“Police do a really good job of catching them but they come back,” he said.

The MP said what’s needed was a serious look at the law the courts deal with these young offenders.

“The judicial system needs to be overhauled and the magistrates need fit-for-purpose rules and laws that relate to the environment we’re now in,” he said.

“The laws of 10-15 years ago I don’t think are fit-for-purpose because of the younger crime.”

Mr Anderson described how he recently accompanied police for a patrol in the North West region.

During the “ride-along” with police, an 11-year-old boy was apprehended for stealing a motor vehicle.

Mr Anderson said the boy was taken into custody not only for the risk his driving inexperience posed to himself but the wider community as well.

“He could have killed someone in this vehicle,” he said.

Mr Anderson was adamant that new options were needed for the courts to appropriately deal with offending youth.

Once community safety is protected with the offender in custody, he said the rehabilitation of the offender could start with diversion.

“While in detention they should be receiving diversionary outcomes,” Mr Anderson said.

“There needs to be an option (for diversion) but there’s some people who that doesn’t work for. There are some people who will continually reoffend. They need to be off the streets and given the diversionary options while they are in detention while we’re keeping the community safe.

“Community safety needs to be at the top of everything that judicial system and law enforcement look at. Once that’s taken care of, we can look at the underlying issues.”