Crime Prevention Strategy 2023 - 2026 by Clarence Valley Council

Clarence Valley Council

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Enquiries Published by Clarence Valley Council 2 Prince Street Grafton Phone 02 6643 0200 council@clarence.nsw.gov.au www.clarence.nsw.gov.au © 2023 Clarence Valley Council Crime Prevention Strategy prepared by Clarence Valley Council in partnership with NSW Police, Coffs Clarence Local Area Command. Also acknowledge – Wollongong City Council CPS and Lake Macquarie CPS as sources of inspiration. Information contained in this document is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and currency of information contained within this strategy at the time of writing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following article contains the name and image of a deceased person.

Acknowledgment We acknowledge the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We honour the First Nations peoples culture and connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Clarence Valley Council

Contents Message From The Mayor

Foreward District Police

Introduction 7 About the Clarence

Our Priorities

Crime Prevention And How Local Government Is Involved

How Our Partners Are Building A Safer Community

Context of Crime and Our Local Crime Priorities

Target Offence: Motor Vehicle Theft

Target Offence: Steal From Vehicle

Target Offence: Domestic Violence Related Assault

Conclusion 36

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Mural of Yeagl Elder Uncle Ron Heron by artist NITSUA.

Clarence Valley Council

Message From The Mayor Clarence Valley Council plays a pivotal role in the

our streets and public spaces, work in partnership

whole of community approach to effective crime

with our chambers of commerce to identify

prevention and community safety.

funding opportunities for CCTV, strengthen

As well as police, ratepayers, community members and tourists, Council works alongside the Local Drug Action Team, Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee, Grafton and Lower Clarence liquor accords, ClubGRANTS, Rotary,

alcohol free areas to provide police with additional enforcement options, and drive community safety awareness raising campaigns, such as the If You See Something, Say Something, and Look, Lock, Leave initiatives.

Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, Police Aboriginal

Council also contributes to ‘situational crime

Consultative Committee and the National

prevention’ measures such as trimming vegetation

Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and

that support clear lines of sight, removing graffiti

Neglect (NAPCAN).

and using public art, and activating public spaces.

Developed from community feedback, two key

Well-planned interventions can reduce

objectives of The Clarence 2032 – Community

opportunities for people to commit crime, promote

Strategic Plan (CSP) are to foster a safe and

community safety and make public spaces more

active community where healthy lifestyles are

appealing. The Crime Prevention Strategy ensures

encouraged and supported, and to develop strong

Clarence Valley Council is best prepared to provide

relationships between all levels of governments

important support to Coffs/Clarence Police District

and partnerships to deliver outcomes that benefit

in their efforts to reduce crime and fear across the

residents.

Clarence Valley.

Aligning with the CSP, the Crime Prevention Strategy (CPS) is an important framework for how Council works with the Coffs/Clarence Police District, community, and key stakeholders to implement strategies that assist community safety. During consultation, motor vehicle theft and home break ins were reported as a common theme people are concerned about and have been incorporated into the action plan in the CPS for specific intervention. There are several examples of work Council can do, and currently does, to help improve perceptions of community safety. These include considering improved lighting in all new infrastructure developments and improvements in

Ian Tiley

Cr Ian Tiley, Mayor

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Foreward District Police The Coffs/Clarence Police District enjoys an

of the Coffs/Clarence Police District and

excellent relationship with the Clarence Valley

through our dedicated Crime Prevention

Council and I am very pleased to partner with

Officer, based in Grafton and our district wide

them to develop the “Clarence Valley Council

Crime Prevention Unit we are continuing to

Crime Prevention Strategy”. This strategy

develop evidence-based crime prevention

builds on our efforts to prevent, disrupt, and

strategies with our partner agencies, which

respond to crime and to continually improve

reduce crime and increase perceptions of

the safety and quality of life of residents and

safety and community confidence in local

visitors to the Clarence Valley.

police.

As Robert Peel, the father of modern policing,

Community support for police and the work

noted “the police are the community, and

they do is fundamental to our success in

the community are the police”. This is

reducing crime and making the Clarence

particularly the case in regional NSW where our partnerships between government and non-government organisations enable us to continue to reduce crime and the fear of crime across wide areas.

Valley safer. I encourage everyone in the Clarence to embrace the “Clarence Valley Council Crime Prevention Strategy” and to provide support for their community. With this support I am confident we can build on our previous success and sustain the

The “Clarence Valley Council Crime Prevention

Clarence Valley as the wonderful community

Strategy” aligns with the proactive mindset

we all enjoy

Richard Garrels

Inspector Richard GARRELS Officer In Charge, Grafton,

Coffs/Clarence Police District

Clarence Valley Council

Introduction The Clarence Valley Crime Prevention Strategy 2023/2026 provides a framework for the way that Community, Clarence Valley Council (CVC), Coffs / Clarence Police District and key stakeholders can work together to implement a range of strategies that assist in maintaining a safe, inclusive, healthy and connected community for everyone.

List of Abbreviations ABBREVIATION

DEFINITION

ABS

Australian Bureau of Statistics

AFZ

Alcohol Free Zones

APA

Alcohol Prohibited Area

AOD

Alcohol and Other Drugs

ADF

Australian Drug Foundation

DCJ

Department Communities and Justice

BOCSAR

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research

CCTV

Closed Circuit Television

CPTED

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design

CVC

Clarence Valley Council

Clarence Valley

D&FV

Domestic and Family Violence

DVLO

Domestic Violence Liaison Officer

LGA

Local Government Area

OLGAR

Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing

PACC

Police Aboriginal Consultative Committee

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Brisbane 300km

Yamba Maclean Grafton

Sydney 600km

Clarence Valley Council

About the Clarence Located in the Northern Rivers region in NSW, the Clarence Valley covers an area of 10,441 square kilometres and has three major centres, Grafton, Maclean and Yamba.

NSW

Our Population Total population:

54,580

Projected population by 2041:

64,121

Our Area

3 towns 60 villages 2,068

kilometres of roads

8 rivers 36 beaches 100 kilometres of coastline

2,262

Our People

49 median age 71.4% residents aged over 18 and eligible to vote

2.3 people per average household (26,069 dwellings)

Our Economy

$2.62 billion gross regional product in June 2022, growing 7.8% since the previous year

square kilometres of National Parks, State Forest & Reserves

4,254

26,069

21,721

dwellings

local businesses

local jobs

Source: id profile, 2021 Census, NIEIR

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Our Priorities The 2023/2026 CPS aligns with the other corporate documents within the Integrated Planning & Reporting Framework including: 

The Clarence 2032



Delivery Program



Operational Plan



Community Engagement Strategy

Integrated Planning & Reporting Framework

STATE AND REGIONAL PLANS

COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

COUNCIL OBJECTIVES

Society

Infrastructure

Economy

Environment

Leadership

COUNCIL

DELIVERY PROGRAM

STAFF

STRATEGIES

OPERATIONAL PLAN

4 YEAR

1 YEAR

REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ANNUAL REPORT/STATE OF OUR CITY REPORT

Clarence Valley Council

MINIMUM 6 MONTHLY REPORT ON PERFORMANCE AGAINST DELIVERY PROGRAM

QUARTERLY BUSINESS REVIEW STATEMENTS

RESOURCING STRATEGY

10 YEAR

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Specifically, the 2023/2026 CPS aligns with the following themes and objectives in the Delivery Program 2022 – 2025; Objective 3 in the ‘Society’ theme, To be a safe and active community where healthy lifestyles and better health outcomes are encouraged and supported with accessible infrastructure for residents of all ages and abilities

Objective 7 in the ‘Leadership’ theme, To develop a strong relationship between all levels of government and partnerships with the community to deliver outcomes that benefit residents.

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Crime Prevention And How Local Government Is Involved Crime prevention is an effective approach to reducing crime. It is internationally recognised as an important component of a national approach to building viable communities. Well-planned interventions can prevent crime and victimisation, promote community safety and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of vibrant communities.

Communities, government agencies, businesses and service providers all have a role to play in preventing crime

Clarence Valley Council

Local governments have the ability to influence change in their communities and establish relationships with other community agencies as they have a broad sphere of influence. The Australian Institute of Criminology recognises that local government authorities play a significant role in the implementation of crime prevention initiatives that are tailored to local identified priorities, as opposed to programs applied at a state or federal level. Crime prevention is about reducing the opportunity for people to commit a crime and to make public spaces more appealing and friendlier so that they are more likely to be used for healthy lifestyle activities. Crime prevention programs and projects focus on educating people about ways to prevent crime and increase participation in community life.

Federal and state government policies and strategies have informed the development of the 2023/2026 Crime Prevention Strategy as below.

Table 1 LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT

POLICIES & STRATEGIES

Local: Clarence Valley Council

Integrated Planning & Reporting: The Clarence 2032 Delivery Program (The Clarence 2032) Operational Plan Crime Prevention Strategy Community Engagement Strategy

State: NSW Government:

NSW Government’s NSW 2021 and Premiers Priorities NSW Domestic & Family Violence Blueprint for Reform NSW Police Domestic Violence Policy Liquor & Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill Australian Institute of Health & Welfare National Drug Strategy Household Survey

Federal: NSW Government:

National Crime Prevention Framework National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children National Drug Strategy

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

CVC Crime Prevention Strategy survey What you told us is important to you From 13th February – 31st March 2023, council invited community members to participate in an online survey to obtain feedback about a about range of crime prevention issues. Responses to questions were not mandatory. Data gathered has assisted the development of strategies to address community concerns in partnership with Coffs / Clarence Police District. Council works with a range of external stakeholders to support sector development, develop and deliver campaigns and implement projects that address local needs including; Domestic & Family Violence Committee, Grafton and Lower Clarence Liquor Accords, Local Community Drug Action Team and ClubGRANTS. Accessing the survey was advertised on council’s social media and through distribution of flyers with QR codes. Council’s mobile Library was used to promote the survey to remote townships and villages as well as joint consultation conducted in a number of townships and local markets as part of the joint consultation conducted for the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Feedback of concerns from our community directly relate to the three priority crime areas to be addressed in the CPS 2023/2026. Council’s online community conversation survey was completed by 310 community members representative of fifty-two of our townships, with the majority of respondents in Grafton (24%), Yamba (21%) and South Grafton (15.2%). 63% of survey respondents reported having felt unsafe in the Clarence Valley in the past 12 months. The majority of respondents stated that they know how to report a crime to Police or an issue to Council and nearly half of respondents stated that they had heard of Council’s ‘If you see something say something campaign’. Council values feedback from our community, partners and Police to identify priority areas for improvement, and develop creative local solutions.

Clarence Valley Council

310 responses to the Crime Prevention Strategy 2 (0.6%) survey were from the following locations: 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 74 (23.9%)

2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%)

2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%)

74 (23.9%)

2 (0.6%)

2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%)

2 (0.6%)

2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%)

74 (23.9%)

2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%)

74 (23.9%)

2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%)

3 2(1.0%) 2 (0.6%) (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 33(1.0%) 2 (0.6%) (1.0%) 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 33(1.0%) (1.0%) 3 2(1.0%) (0.6%)

3 (1.0%) (1.0%) 3

33(1.0%) (1.0%)

(1.0%) 33 (1.0%)

33(1.0%) (1.0%)

(1.0%) 33(1.0%)

3 (1.0%) (1.0%) 3

4(1.0%) (1.3%) (1.0%) 333(1.0%) (1.9%) (1.0%) 46 (1.3%) 33(1.0%) (1.3%) 6 (1.9%) 3 4(1.0%) 6 (1.9%) (1.9%) 46 (1.3%) 6 (1.9%) 6 (1.9%)

68 (21.9%)

6 (1.9%) 6 (1.9%)

7 (2.3%) 6 (1.9%)

6 (1.9%) 6 (1.9%)

68 (21.9%)

14 (4.5%) 7 (2.3%)

7 (2.3%) 6 (1.9%)

68 (21.9%)

15 (4.8%) 14 (4.5%)

14 (4.5%) 7 (2.3%)

15 (4.8%) 15 (4.8%) 14 (4.5%) 15 (4.8%)

47 (15.2%)

47 (15.2%) 47 (15.2%) 47 (15.2%)

GRAFTON, NSW

YAMBA, NSW

SOUTH GRAFTON, NSW

GULMARRAD, NSW

MACLEAN, NSW

GRAFTON, NSW

YAMBA, NSW

ANGOURIE, NSW

GRAFTON WEST, NSW

ULMARRA, NSW ULMARRA, NSW

WELLS CROSSING, GLENREAGH, NSW NSW TOWNSEND, NSW WELLS CROSSING, NSW NSW GLENREAGH, NSW ILUKA, NSWILUKA, TOWNSEND, NSW

LAWRENCE, NSW LAWRENCE, NSW

COPMANHURST, WATER, NSW PALMERS COPMANHURST, NSW NSW MINNIE MINNIE WATER, NSW PALMERS ISLAND, NSWISLAND, NSW

ANGOURIE, NSW

GULMARRAD, NSW

MACLEAN, NSW

GRAFTON WEST, NSW JUNCTION JUNCTION HILL, NSW WOOLOWEYAH, NSW HILL, NSW WOOLOWEYAH, NSW

COUTTS NSW COUTTSCROSSING, CROSSING, NSW SANDON, SANDON,NSW NSW

SOUTH GRAFTON, NSW

NYMBOIDA, NSW NSWWOOMBAH, NSW RAMORNIE,RAMORNIE, NSW NYMBOIDA, WOOMBAH, NSW NSW

WOODFORD ISLAND, NSW NSW WATERVIEW HEIGHTS, HEIGHTS, NSW WATERVIEW, WATERVIEW, NSW WOODFORD ISLAND, WATERVIEW NSW NSW

RUSHFORTH, NSW

THE WHITEMAN, NSW

BANYABBA, NSW

THE PINNACLES, NSW

TRENAYR, NSW

CARRS CREEK, NSW

HALFWAY CREEK, NSW

ASHBY ISLAND, NSW

RUSHFORTH, NSW

THE PINNACLES, NSW HALFWAY CREEK, NSW

LEVENSTRATH, NSW

THE WHITEMAN, NSW TRENAYR, NSW

WOOLI, NSW

PALMERS CHANNEL, NSW

CARRS CREEK, NSW

PALMERS CHANNEL, NSW

EATONSVILLE, NSW

COLDSTREAM, NSW

BLAXLANDS CREEK, NSW

TUCABIA, NSW

ASHBY ISLAND, NSW

JAMES CREEK, NSW

WOOLI, NSW

BANYABBA, NSW

EATONSVILLE, NSW

COLDSTREAM, NSW

LEVENSTRATH, JAMES CREEK, NSW BLAXLANDS CREEK, NSW NSW TUCABIA, NSW KUNGALA, NSW NSWBRUSHGROVE, NSW PILLAR VALLEY, NSW DUNDURRABIN, KUNGALA,CREEK, NSW NSW BRUSHGROVE, NSW WHITEMAN HARWOOD, NSW ASHBY HEIGHTS, NSW NSW CLARENZA, NSW WHITEMAN CREEK, HARWOOD, NSW

ASHBY HEIGHTS, NSW

PILLAR VALLEY, NSW NSW GLENUGIE, NSW ILARWILL, DUNDURRABIN, NSW GLENUGIE, NSW

ILARWILL, NSW

CLARENZA, NSW

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Factors impacting on perceptions of community safety include

Improved Lighting in our streets and public spaces  All new infrastructure developments or renovations projects consider improved lighting through the implementation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Techniques.

Keep our streets clean

 Council work in partnership

 Our outdoor teams are

with our chamber of commerce

committed to maintaining

groups to identify funding

our streets and opens

opportunities.

spaces for our community

 The presence of CCTV does not prevent crime from occurring, it is as investigative

and visitors and this is reflected in our 23/24 Operational Plan.

tool used by Police.

Develop community events and activities

Improve access to information about community safety

Strengthen Alcohol free areas

 We support a range of

 We have existing community

 Our Regulatory Services

community events and activities

safety awareness campaigns

and Open Spaces teams

funded through our Community

that are delivered throughout our

monitor and review our AFZ

Initiatives Program, Special

organisation including, If you See

and APA’s on an annual

Events Sponsorship & Sports

something say something, Look ,

basis that provides Police

Tourism grants and events

Lock, leave and the school safety

with additional enforcement

implemented in consultation with

infrastructure project.

options.

our community, funded by state and federal grants.

Increase CCTV in public areas

Clarence Valley Council

Working together to keep our community safe Effective crime prevention and community safety requires a whole of community approach. There are both internal and external stakeholders that contribute and collaborate to reduce the opportunities of crime occurring and improve community safety.

Our External partners Rate payers, community members and tourists NSW Police – Coffs Clarence Local Area Command Australian Drug Foundation - Local Drug Action Team CV D&FV Committee Grafton Liquor Accord Lower Clarence Liquor Accord ClubGRANTS Committee Rotary Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation Police Aboriginal Consultative Committee Napcan

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

How Our Partnerships Are Building A Safer Community Physical fitness program Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee One Stop Shop project Liquor Accord CVC awareness raising campaigns

Clarence Valley Council

PICTURED: Lower Legend Program participants.

Building resilience through physical fitness A physical fitness program focusing on building

of alcohol and drug use. Different topics were

mental and physical stability, is providing mentoring

discussed each week with relevant partner support

and peer support to young people in the Clarence

services attending sessions to provide information.

Valley.

Senior Constable Jess Stamper (Coffs Clarence

Clarence Valley Council is partnering with The

LAC, Youth Officer) has advised that she is

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) to work with

impressed with the attitude and effort displayed by

Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT) to deliver a grant

the participants.

funded fitness and wellbeing program.

“The mentoring aspect of the program also

Clarence Valley’s LDAT, is a made up of a group

provides positive connection to services and

of organisations, including NSW Police Force,

community that can help young people to make

New School of Arts, Changing Lanes, Momentum

healthier choices.” Senior Constable Stamper said.

Collective, Headspace and Social Futures, who have formed a collaboration to address alcohol and other drug issues in the valley. Recent consultation with community leaders, police and service providers identified an ongoing local issue where a cohort of young people were frequently engaging in risky behaviour when influenced by alcohol and cannabis in the lower river area.

Engaging young people in healthy lifestyle activities can have both physical and mental health benefits. “Coming to the high intensity interval training gets me up and active, I have a good time working out and catching up with everyone after the workout. Afterwards I feel better about myself, and I’m motivated to get through the rest of the week,” one of the participants said.

Up to 12 young people aged between 14 and 17 years attended the ten-week program which provided information from partner organisations to increase their knowledge around the effects

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

PICTURED: Top from left to right, Kiah Bowen (NSW Police Force), Andrea Nikas (CVC), Helen Wright (Wesley Mission), Mik Smart (DCJ), Susan Knight (Social Futures), Mitch Henwood (Momentum Collective), Tracey Poynter (Human Services Australia), Nicole Secomb (DCJ), Lynn Cromelin (CRD&FVSS), Kellie Butler (CRD&FVSS). Below, ‘Clarence Valley Says No To Domestic Violence’ Busways campaign, an initiative of the Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee and funded by ClubGRANTS.

Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee Representatives from state and federal government bodies along with non government funded services comprise the Clarence Valley Domestic and Family

December annually. Over the past three years the committee has

Violence Committee. The committee meets monthly

been successful in receiving funding through the

and focuses on raising awareness in the Clarence

ClubGRANTS program which has enabled the

Valley through the delivery of community awareness

committee to promote awareness and provide

raising events including Domestic and Family

community education by sharing information at

Violence Awareness month in May and the 16 Days

local markets and a BBQ breakfast event at the

of Activism which is held between November and

Grafton Library.

Love Bites is the Healthy Relationships

ClubGRANTS proudly supports the Clarence

program delivered to Clarence Valley

Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee

High Schools

and a range of other not-for-profit community organisations

Clarence Valley Council

One Stop Shop project Clarence Valley Council’s Youth Officer, Allira

The day focuses on mental health awareness, the

Newton, and Safe Communities Officer, Andrea

impact of the use of alcohol and other drugs and

Nikas, coordinate a school excursion where 70

the opportunity for students to get to know a large

year 9 students from Maclean High School attend an information day at the Raymond Laurie Sports Centre called One Stop Shop. The One Stop Shop project began in 2016 in

variety of local support services available in the Clarence Valley. The evidence-based workshops, activities and

response to young people and the broader

quality resources are specifically targeted to

community identifying the need to learn more about

address some of the bigger issues typically faced

the local support services available to them.

by young people in the community.

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

LIQUOR ACCORD The Clarence Valley has two operating Liquor Accords, the lower Clarence and Grafton who meet quarterly. Liquor accords are a partnership between licensed premises, local council and government departments working together to address alcohol related issues, violence, and anti social behaviour in their local area. Clarence Valley Council partners with the local accord groups through sharing relevant council information and maintaining regulation and open space management to support the operation of licensed venues.

CVC awareness raising campaigns If you See Something Say Something Council’s community awareness campaign promoting the importance of community members reporting their concerns and observations to the relevant authority. Council

The Clarence Valley is a pretty special place

IF YOU SEE

utilises social media, radio, print media and bus advertising to call upon locals to take responsibility and inform NSW Police or Council when they find property damaged, witness suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour.

LOOK LOCK LEAVE Focuses on the safety and security of our visitors. Anecdotally during our peak tourism times property theft increases. This is attributed to the relaxed nature of our community and its visitors where they are not vigilant with locking up bikes,

SAY SOMETHING Record & Report clarence.nsw.gov.au and click on “Report It”

Call us on 6643 0200

Report any Suspicious Activity or Anti-social Behaviour to the Police In an emergency or if you feel unsafe dial ‘000’ or call Police Link 131 444.

scooters, eskys and fishing equipment. This campaign utilises radio advertising, flyers and posters throughout caravan parks and public amenities in our tourist locations.

Clarence Valley Council

Help keep the Clarence Valley special

Context of Crime and Our Local Crime Priorities Offences in the Clarence Valley Situational prevention Crime priorities Target Offence: Motor Vehicle Theft Target Offence: Steal From Vehicle Target Offence: Domestic Violence Related Assault

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Offences in the Clarence Valley NSW Recorded Crime Statistics 2018 - 2022 Number of recorded incidents and rate per 100,000 population, 24-month and 60-month trend and Local Government Areas rankings (for 2022)

Clarence Valley Local Government Area Crime Statistics 2018-2022

Jan-Dec 2018

Jan-Dec 2019

Jan-Dec 2020

Jan-Dec 2021

Jan-Dec 2022

Offence group

Offence type

Number of incidents

Rate per 100,000 population

Number of incidents

Rate per 100,000 population

Number of incidents

Rate per 100,000 population

Number of incidents

Rate per 100,000 population

Number of incidents

Rate per 100,000 population

24-month trend^^

60-month trend^^

2022 LGA Rank*

The major offences

Murder^

5.8142

1.9359

nc**

Domestic violence related assault

214

414.7448

183

354.2667

218

421.4189

202

390.4891

273

527.7402

0.351

0.063

Non-domestic violence related assault

252

488.391

264

511.0733

219

423.352

225

434.9507

231

446.5494

Stable

Sexual assault

87.2127

90.9865

94.7226

98.5888

104.3882

Stable

Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences

108.5313

120.0248

92.7895

104.3882

110.1875

Stable

Robbery

9.6903

21.2947

17.398

9.6656

28.9967

nc**

Break and enter dwelling

194

375.9836

189

365.882

111

214.5757

155

299.6327

177

342.1612

Stable

Break and enter non-dwelling

111

215.1246

127

245.8572

83.1239

139.1842

100

193.3114

Stable

Motor vehicle theft

184.1157

180.0372

121.7862

160.4485

141

272.5691

0.699

Stable

Steal from motor vehicle

261

505.8336

147

284.5749

106

204.9101

193

373.091

241

465.8805

0.249

Stable

Steal from retail store

138

267.4522

183

354.2667

191.3783

144.9836

124

239.7062

0.653

-0.026

Other stealing offences

496

961.2776

469

907.9294

400

773.2457

393

759.7139

385

744.249

Stable

-0.061

Malicious damage to property

508

984.5343

441

853.7246

425

821.5736

414

800.3093

396

765.5132

Stable

-0.06

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research

Clarence Valley Council

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023/2026

Situational prevention



Trimming trees and vegetation to support clear lines

of sight and make hiding more difficult; 

Removing graffiti so places don’t feel neglected and

unkempt; 

Providing good lighting;

the opportunities to commit



Green screen planting to make it more difficult to

crime and increases the risks

graffiti;

Situational prevention reduces

of being caught. Situational Crime Prevention techniques are commonly used by local



Using public art to improve the look and feel of a

space and reflect its heritage or culture;

government authorities and can



included things like;

be out and about, enjoying community life responsibly

Activation of public spaces to encourage people to

and inform NSW Police or Council when they find property damaged, witness suspicious activity or antisocial behaviour.

Crime priorities – how were they selected? The offences identified as priority crimes were selected through the analysis of current data reported by the NSW BOCSAR. Intelligence and operational information provided by the NSW Police confirmed these crimes were relevant and significant priorities for the Clarence Valley. The NSW BOCSAR produces quarterly crime reports based on the information recorded by the NSW Police Force. This data is used to report statistical trends which inform the crime rankings attributed to 120 LGA’s in NSW with a population over 3,000.

OFFENCE (Clarence Valley LGA)

LGA RANK

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

STEAL FROM MOTOR VEHICLE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATED ASSAULT

Clarence Valley Council

TARGET OFFENCE: Motor Vehicle Theft

Motor Vehicle Theft Motor vehicle theft incidents in Clarence Valley Local Government area, from January 2022 to December 2022

2 year trend: Up 69.9% per year Rate per 100,000 population: 272.6 NSW rate per 100,000 population: 150.3

Motor Vehicle Theft from January 2022 to December 2022

Iluka

Yamba Maclean

Ulmarra

Grafton

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

TARGET OFFENCE: Motor Vehicle Theft

88%

of survey respondents reported being moderately to extremely concerned about break and enter

83%

of survey respondents are moderately to extremely concerned about motor vehicle theft

Overview SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

Vehicles are being stolen to be used in the commission of other offences. Offences are being committed during the evening hours of 10pm and 6am predominately in residential areas.

Vehicle thefts are opportunistic. 80% of vehicles are stolen using keys. Offenders are specifically targeting unsecured dwellings where keys to vehicles are being stolen and used to access vehicles. A relaxed attitude to home and property security increases opportunity. The Clarence Valley is a regional area where public transport options are limited or unavailable. This is a contributing factor to high vehicle theft rates.

PROJECT

A collaborative approach to increase community awareness around property security and the connection between decreased opportunity and reduced instances of crime.

A multi faceted education campaign to inform the community about the importance of property security will incorporate various methods of information delivery including: Face to face information sessions conducted quarterly; Social media posts; Newspaper articles and advertising; Mailouts.

RATIONALE

The Clarence Valley is in the top 25% of NSW for Motor vehicle theft per 100,00 population. Police Intelligence confirms a significant number of vehicle thefts are committed using the vehicles keys which have either been left in an unsecured vehicle or dwelling. Protracted community education and awareness campaigns improve knowledge and understanding of the risks of leaving property unsecured. Improvements in home and vehicle security will decrease opportunity for offences to be committed.

LEAD AGENCY & PARTNERS

Clarence Valley Council, NSW Police Force, National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction

OBJECTIVE

Increase community awareness around property security. Increase community understanding of reducing offender’s opportunity to commit crime

Council, various stakeholders within the business sector.

and the link between unsecured homes and motor vehicle theft.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Increase community members sense of responsibility for contributing to the reduction of opportunistic crimes in residential areas through improved property security.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Clarence Valley Council

Decrease Motor vehicle theft across the Clarence Valley by 5%.

TARGET OFFENCE: Motor Vehicle Theft

Action Plan: Motor Vehicle Theft ACTION

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

TIME FRAMES

FUNDING REQUIRED

MILESTONES

1. Partner with NSW Police to

Obtain approval

Approval granted for

from NSW Police to collaborate on developing material recognising the partnership between CVC and Police. Produce education materials.

6 months (Dec 2023)

Yes

develop a community education and awareness campaign focusing on changing the culture of home security eg: ‘Lock it or Lose it’. Create content and materials to support campaign.

2. Partner with NSW Police

Create a program

to create detailed community education project plan to deliver campaign developed (as above eg: ‘Lock it or Lose it’).

3. Partner with NSW Police to deliver community education and information engagement sessions.

incorporating diverse range of delivery methods to educate community and increase awareness.

Scheduled visits to locations in the hotspot areas.

use of NSWPF Logo.

Production of a suite of education and information materials.

6 months (Dec 2023)

12 months Jan – Dec 2024

Produce a detailed project plan identifying methods of information delivery with specific deliverables.

Community education and engagement sessions delivered to hotspot locations (Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean and Yamba). Conduct 12-month review.

4. Deliver community

Increase community

information and education campaign (as outlined in point 1. e.g. ‘Lock it or Lose it’).

awareness through dissemination of information via numerous delivery methods. Educate community members about the link between motor vehicle theft and the use of keys obtained through break and enter dwelling.

12 months

Yes

Utilise numerous methods of information delivery: Social Media; Print Media; Radio; Flyers; Mailouts. Conduct 12-month review.

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

TARGET OFFENCE: Steal From Vehicle

Steal From Vehicle Steal from vehicle incidents by premises in Clarence Valley Local Government area, from January 2022 to December 2022

2 year trend: Stable Rate per 100,000 population: 465.9 NSW rate per 100,000 population: 332.3

Steal From Vehicle from January 2022 to December 2022

Iluka

Yamba Maclean

Ulmarra

Grafton

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research

LOW

MEDIUM

Clarence Valley Council

HIGH

TARGET OFFENCE: Steal From Vehicle

87%

of survey respondents are moderately to extremely concerned about stealing from vehicle

Overview SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

Offences being committed are opportunistic with 80% of targeted vehicles being unsecured. Often valuable items are left in view, creating easy targets for offenders. Property items typically targeted are phones, wallets, money and Sat Nav devices. Vehicles are typically being targeted in residential areas during the evening hours between 10pm and 6am.

PROJECT

A collaborative approach to increase community awareness around property security and the connection between decreased opportunity and reduced instances of crime.

RATIONALE

The Clarence Valley is in the top 25% of NSW for Motor vehicle theft per 100,00 population. Police Intelligence confirms all steal from motor vehicle offences are opportunistic in nature. Protracted community education and awareness campaigns improve knowledge and understanding of the risks of leaving property unsecured. Improvements in home and vehicle security will decrease opportunity for offences to be committed.

LEAD AGENCY & PARTNERS

Clarence Valley Council, NSW Police Force, various stakeholders within the business

OBJECTIVE

Increase community awareness around property security. Increase community understanding of reducing offender’s opportunity to commit crime

sector.

by locking vehicles and securing valuable items.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Increase community members sense of responsibility for contributing to the reduction of opportunistic crimes in residential areas through improved property security.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Decrease steal from motor vehicle offences across the Clarence Valley by 5%.

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

TARGET OFFENCE: Steal From Vehicle

Action Plan: Steal From Vehicle ACTION

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

TIME FRAMES

FUNDING REQUIRED

MILESTONES

1. Partner with NSW Police to

Obtain approval

Approval granted for

from NSW Police to collaborate on developing material recognising the partnership between CVC and Police. Produce education materials.

6 months (Dec 2023)

Yes

develop a community education and awareness campaign focusing on changing the culture of home security eg: ‘Lock it or Lose it’. Create content and materials to support campaign.

2. Partner with NSW Police

Create a program

to create detailed community education project plan to deliver campaign developed (as above eg: ‘Lock it or Lose it’).

3. Partner with NSW Police to deliver community education and information engagement sessions.

4. Deliver community information and education campaign (as outlined in point 1. e.g. ‘Lock it or Lose it’).

Clarence Valley Council

incorporating diverse range of delivery methods to educate community and increase awareness.

Scheduled visits to locations in the hotspot areas.

Educate community about the importance of property security and reduction of opportunity.

use of NSWPF Logo.

Production of a suite of education and information materials.

6 months (Dec 2023)

12 months Jan – Dec 2024

12 months (Jan – Dec 2024)

Yes

Produce a detailed project plan identifying methods of information delivery with specific deliverables.

Community education and engagement sessions delivered to hotspot locations (Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean and Yamba). Conduct 12-month review.

Utilise numerous methods of information delivery: Social Media; Print Media; Radio; Flyers; Mailouts. Conduct 12-month review.

TARGET OFFENCE: Domestic Violence Related Assault

Domestic Violence Related Assault Incidents of domestic assault in Clarence Valley Local Government area, from January 2022 to December 2022 2 year trend: Stable Rate per 100,000 population: 465.9 NSW rate per 100,000 population: 332.3

Domestic Violence Related Assault from January 2022 to December 2022

Iluka

Yamba Maclean

Ulmarra

Grafton

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

TARGET OFFENCE: Domestic Violence Related Assault

80%

of survey respondents are moderately to extremely concerned about domestic and family violence

Overview SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

The Clarence Valley is ranked 49th in the LGA rankings for NSW, which places us in the top 50% of the State for Domestic Violence related assault.

PROJECT

The Clarence Valley Council is a highly involved partner and contributor on the Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee. This committee is made up of numerous State and Private Sector support services who are committed to raising awareness in the community around Domestic and Family Violence. Numerous awareness raising and community education activities and events are held across the Clarence Valley throughout the calendar year. These include: May – Domestic Violence Awareness Month; November-December – 16 Days of Activism.

RATIONALE

Raising awareness of Domestic and Family Violence within the Clarence Valley will empower victims and their families to contact support services and be more confident to seek legal protection and assistance when required. Raising community awareness in the Clarence Valley will encourage community members to be active by standers and become united in a zero-tolerance approach to Family and Domestic Violence. Educating our community as to what constitutes domestic violence, what services and supports are available and when they can be contacted will increase calls for service and improve protective measures for victims. Council has an adopted Child Protection Policy.

LEAD AGENCY & PARTNERS

Clarence Valley Council, NSW Police Force, Clarence Valley Domestic and Family

OBJECTIVE

To increase community awareness of Domestic and Family Violence. To increase awareness of local support services. To increase calls for service for Police assistance and intervention. To increase calls for support from relevant services.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Community members will have improved knowledge and understanding of Domestic

Violence Committee.

and Family Violence.

Community members will feel confident to support victims of Domestic and Family Violence.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Clarence Valley Council

Reports of Domestic violence related assaults will increase.

TARGET OFFENCE: Domestic Violence Related Assault

Action Plan: Domestic Violence Related Assault ACTION

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

TIME FRAMES

FUNDING REQUIRED

MILESTONES

1. Work in partnership with the

Attendance at monthly

Annually

Support Domestic

Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee to support events and campaigns that share information and raise awareness of Domestic and Family Violence.

committee meetings.

2. Work in partnership with

Attend Steering

Napcan and the Clarence Valley Love Bites Committee to deliver ‘Love Bites’ education program.

committee meetings Maintain training currency (trainers) Support delivery of Love Bites by assisting with facilitating workshops.

3. CVC is a lead organisation

Council offers the

and stands against Domestic and Family Violence.

provision of leave for staff to take domestic violence leave to access support as needed. Council provides access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff.

4. The ten Child Safe Standards

Council ensures Child

are embedded into Council policies and practice.

Safety Standards are embedded into policy and procedures and work practices throughout the organisation.

and Family Violence awareness month of May. Attend 16 Days of Activism events. Annually

Facilitate Love Bites healthy relationships program in high schools across the CV.

Ongoing

Support staff who are experiencing domestic violence. Access to EAP provided at no cost to staff.

Ongoing

Staff awareness and training.

Conduct scheduled reviews of policy with updates as required.

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026

Conclusion Monitoring and Evaluation The implementation of each strategy developed to address the identified crime priorities will be the responsibility of the Safe Communities Project Officer who sits in the Corporate and Community Directorate at CVC. This will include an assessment of comparative data and a review of the outcomes achieved annually and at the conclusion of the plan in 2026. Further, Council will seek endorsement of the Crime Prevention Strategy as a ‘Safer Community Compact’ with the Department of Communities and Justice.

Clarence Valley Council

Crime Prevention Strategy 2023-2026