Renee Bourne launched the petition last month in response to a string of break-ins and armed

 hold-ups at two separate businesses belonging to her parents.

The anti-crime crusader needs 10,000 signatures to enable Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson to table the petition to parliament.

The tally sits at nearly 5000, the 35-year-old said.

“It’s going really well, we’re close to halfway,” Ms Bourne said.

“People are liking the online version a lot as it’s got a section where you can write notes and letters which will give the petition a bit more support.

“There are so many people who have been through things like break-ins or being harassed down the street and they can voice their stories of what happened to them. One person even said they moved to a different town due to the crime.”

Ms Bourne said she was astounded to see the increase in crime after being away for three years.

“The majority of crime is drug-fuelled,” she said.

“After the last hold-up the need for more police resources was voiced to us and we decided to take a stand and make a start of filtering out the crime that is escalating in our community.

“To get a drug unit and drug dog in Tamworth would be a start in eliminating the crime issues.”

She hoped people’s comments or letters would give the petition an edge.

“I’ve been told if a letter goes to parliament they have to respond to it, so if we get 3000 letters to go with the signatures then they will really have to stand up and take notice,” Ms Bourne said.

“People can even write letters and drop them into the businesses that are supporting the petition.”

The petition can be found at a number of local businesses, including those of Ms Bourne’s parent’s, the North Tamworth Store on Bligh St and the Hi-Way Superette on Goonoo Goonoo Rd.

People can view the full list of businesses or sign the online petition by visiting www.gopetition.com/petitions/tamworth-crime-prevention.html