There is a problem in Tamworth, according to councillors, but they believe it’s an issue with people not reporting criminal activity to the police.

Juanita Wilson reported people being “distraught at the level of crime”, at the most recent council meeting, while Mark Rodda doubled-down and said there was “high drug-dependency” in town.

Cr Rodda told The Leader there was a perception among people in town their issue “might not be dealt with” if they complain.

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He said it was an attitude which needed to turn-around.

“The community needs to report these offences,” Cr Rodda said.

“It’s the only way police can deal with it, see we have a problem and the state government can allocate additional resources.”

He said there was an undercurrent of youth crime which he linked to unemployment rates and called for the NSW Young Offenders Act to be updated

“There’s kids as young as 12, caught on CCTV, carrying knives to break-ins,” he said.

“It’s not a good sign.”

Cr Rodda also railed against the level of drug-use in Tamworth with a strong focus on ice.

“The whole of rural NSW is having problems with illicit drugs,” he said.

“Particularly ice, which is just a poison masquerading as methamphetamine.

“It’s taking a toll on a whole generation of Australians who might never recover.”

The councillor said education was the “answer to many of our problems”.

“There needs to be meaningful education outcomes to help them break free of their situation,” he said.

Cr Wilson praised the work of the crime prevention working group and its collaborative efforts with  a lot of departments in town.

“We need to be mindful everyone’s experience in Tamworth is different,” she said.

“This committee is very important.

“People’s perception of safety is how they live their life.”

SENIOR police say Tamworth is a safer place to live now than five years ago, but the force can only be as effective as the community allows it to be.

The Oxley officer-in-charge of the city, Chief Inspector Jeff Budd, said crime rates had fallen in every category across Tamworth in recent years.

He told The Leader social media fuelled fear in the community about crime rates.

“Never before have perceptions been swayed by social media as much as nowadays,” he said.

“The police can only be as effective as the community empowers them to be, so the community need to work with police to solve and disrupt criminal activity. If they report it, we will respond.”

He would not be drawn on criticisms from community members that the courts are too lenient.

“The role of police is not to be judge and jury,” he said.

“Our role and our duty is to put offenders before the court and provide the evidence to prosecute them.

“Once offenders are subject to court-imposed bail, police can conduct bail compliance checks and attend their home address and ensure they're complying with court orders.”

Earlier this week, The Leader revealed break-ins across the city had more than halved since January as part of Operation Southbreak – a proactive crime blitz with 16 arrests. 

“We always see property crime rates have a seasonal spike in warmer months and the school holidays,” Chief Inspector Budd said.

“But ultimately, where we were five years ago, and even 10 years ago, we are far better off now than what we were.

“You only have to look at the CBD precinct and assault rates, the Tamworth CBD has a fantastic atmosphere, it's safe, and it's down to collaboration between council, the local liquor accord and police.”