Oxley Superintendent Clint Pheeney

The past 12 months in Oxley has been rewarding, reflective and challenging.

We saw the realisation of the 12 additional frontline general duties police to Tamworth. We also saw the revamp of the Oxley TAG Unit, who have been very active across the command in recent times.

On the March 2, 2014 on the second anniversary of the murder of Senior Constable David Rixon VA we unveiled a permanent monument to him near the front entrance to the Tamworth Police Station.

One of the most important successes of the year was how the community supported the campaign led by Lucy and Lou Haslam in support of their son Dan and the use of medicinal cannabis.

Whilst much is still to be achieved in respect of this issue, many can now live without the fear of the criminal justice system becoming involved in their illness and their struggles. It should make us all proud to be members of a community that truly cares.

The issue of the police dog is alive and well. I will continue to strongly argue for a Dog Unit to be permanently based in Tamworth. In the new year a further three-month trial will be undertaken. We are very keen on community feedback once our handler and dog/s arrive.

Many of you travel away during the Christmas/New Year period. Please drive carefully, take regular rest breaks and even share the driving. The most important thing is that everyone arrives safely. The highway patrol will be out in force during this period ensuring people do the right thing.

While Christmas is primarily focused on family and friends, let us all this year take a moment to reflect on the recent tragic incident in Martin Place and the impact that had on so many lives.

Finally, on behalf of all the officers of the Oxley LAC, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and peaceful and joyous New Year.

New England Superintendent Fred Trench

As we are drawing near to the end of 2014 we can reflect on the year that was in the New England Local Area Command.

There have been a number of significant investigations that were successfully concluded, which no doubt influenced the crime statistics for our area.

Many crime statistics in the New England are either stable or reduced.

Unfortunately though there have been some increases in property crime. These crimes are frequently crimes of opportunity and can be dramatically decreased by taking away that opportunity by removing valuables from vehicles and ensuring vehicles, homes and buildings are kept locked.

Any increase in security measures can act as a deterrent to thieves.

I look forward to working with the various communities throughout the New England in 2015 in reducing crime.

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for the holiday season.

Barwon Superintendent Gelina Talbot

The Barwon Local Area Command and I, along with our families, want to extend our deepest thanks and best wishes to you and your families during this season of joy and celebration.

It has been an eventful year for the command and I have asked a lot from the police who work in this command to ensure we continue to drive down crime.

I am pleased that at the end of 2014 I can report to you that we have reached some significant reductions in crime over the past 12 months, with each sector accomplishing great things this year.

Despite this downturn, we know it is by no means the time to be complacent, as such, police will continue to engage with the community and work closely with other agencies to reduce crime, violence and fear in 2015.

It is pleasing also to report that Boggabilla has been bolstered with a number of new staff this year and, as a result, is now experiencing some of the lowest crime levels in years.

Bingara, Boggabri, Mungindi and Warialda are all at full strength and the benefits are evident in their low levels of crime.

We continue to be committed to addressing the ongoing drug supply and associated crime in Moree Plains and Narrabri shire and we will continue to work closely with the community and other agencies to focus on those persons who are associated with such crimes.

There can be no tolerance for those who supply illicit or prescription drugs to our children or other persons in our community. As a community, I encourage each of you to report those responsible for supplying drugs in your communities.

You have the power to stop these people from supplying and destroying the lives of our young people and families through Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) or locally (6757 0799).

For those involved in the supply of drugs, be in no doubt that the police here will find you and ensure you are placed before the courts to answer for your criminal activities.

There have been many staff changes across the command this year, most recently the arrival of Detective Inspector David Silversides as Crime Manager in November.

Mr Silversides has worked for some time in the Western Region and has a good appreciation of the issues and needs of rural communities. He is committed to leading our officers to make a difference and ensuring you and your families are safe and secure. I am very happy to have Detective Inspector Silversides as part of my team.

Your police will continue to work throughout this festive season with the aim of protecting you and your family.

To help them in this endeavour, I ask all residents to be safe over this holiday season, employ the best crime prevention strategies, drive safely and drink responsibly. Please contact police at the first sign of anti-social or suspicious behaviour.

For those of you lucky enough to be enjoying holidays at this time of year, enjoy your break, take care of one another and come back to us safe and ready for a wonderful new year.