Police have released statistics which have shown a significant decrease in youth-related crimes allegedly committed within the Orana Mid-Western Police District.
Following multiple intelligence-based high-visibility disruption and prevention campaigns, results compiled by NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research* (BOCSAR) within the Dubbo Local Government Area, showed a seven per cent decrease in violent crime, a 25% decrease in property-based crime, with break-and-enter offences down 38%, and vehicle thefts down 22%.
Orana Mid-Western Police District commander, Superintendent Tim Chinn, said the long and short-term strategies have been focused on known at-risk areas and high-risk offenders.
"We've introduced multi-pronged initiatives comprising high-visibility patrols and proactive campaigns, with ongoing support to key youth diversionary programs, with my officers strongly supported by police attached to the Youth Command and the PCYC," Supt Chinn said.
"As a consequence, Dubbo and surrounding areas have seen a decrease in the number of young people being charged and put before the courts.
"The figures show NSW Police court proceedings against young people are down 34% with a further reduction by 46% for break and enter/vehicle theft offences. The statistics relate to trends between September 2023 to August 2025.
"We want the community to know that while we are strongly committed to enforcing the law, we are still supporting and encouraging diversionary programs to keep the majority of young people – who do the right thing – out of harm's way and out of the influence of crime.
"Under Operation Soteria, local police have identified and referred young offenders into programs such as YAMS (Youth Action Meetings) a multi-agency forum designed to help at risk young people from re-offending.
"We also have our Youth Liaison Officers facilitating youth cautions, youth conferences and other diversionary strategies.
"I urge anyone with information about incidents of crime, or those responsible, in the command to contact the local police, or use the online options available.
"My team is working hard to reduce the fear of crime in the community while we continue to proactively address the issues that continue to cause concerns," Supt Chinn said.
*BOCSAR is a statistical and research agency within Department of Communities and Justice. These statistics relate to trends between September 2023 to August 2025.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
