Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams has commended police in the Mid North Coast Local Area Command for their exceptional work.

Mrs Williams said local statistics from our region followed the statewide trends, with four offences remaining stable or trending down.

“Locally, it is very reassuring to see downward trends in major crime categories,” she said.

Assault (domestic violence) is down 17.4%, assault (non domestic violence) is down 20.4%, steal from a dwelling is down 13.1% and indecent assault, act of indecency and other sexual offences is down 33.3%.

Break and enter (non-dwelling) has risen by 59.8%.

“This latest data from BOCSAR reflects the commitment and dedication of our local police to keeping our community safe,” Mrs Williams said.

“I would like to thank members of our local community for doing their bit by reporting crime, working closely with our local police officers and remaining vigilant.”

Minister for Police Troy Grant said for the first time in nine years, recorded incidents of domestic violence assault have fallen.

“The last time we saw domestic violence assault rates drop was in 2008, so it’s an incredible results and great news for all the people working tirelessly at the coalface to protect victims and hold perpetrators to account,” he said.

“These statistics signal a major step forward in the battle to combat this scourge, and with a streamlined and modernised policing structure coming into full effect statewide early next year, our response to domestic violence and all serious crime will be bolstered.”