The latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show a 112.5 per cent increase in theft from cars in the Tamworth region over the past two years.

While alarming, Chief Inspector Darcy said the police were aware of the problem and had identified a group of people who are largely responsible for the spike.

"The biggest thing is we need to really remind people of 'lock it or lose it', they've got to lock their doors and lock their car doors," he said.

"Because what we're seeing is a lot of opportunistic crime where people are just trying doors on houses and doors on cars, so that's a big thing.

"We've identified a core group of young people, they're habitual offenders, they continue to commit crimes while on bail so we're targeting them."

He said the group had been caught on multiple CCTV cameras essentially spreading out and blitzing streets, and seeing what can be easily accessed.

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He said unlocked cars in particular can be a problem, because thieves often find something in the car that can help them enter houses.

Chief Inspector Darcy believes that is contributing to the Tamworth region's high break and enter rate for homes, which sits at 4.5 per 100,000 population.

However, the presence of CCTV cameras has led to some positive results, with break and enters for non-residential buildings dropping by 24.4 per cent over the past two years.

"We've worked well with our crime prevention team and working with the council and education with businesses on 'target hardening', with cameras and improved lighting and that sort of thing," he said.

"That's helped immensely and has restricted that crime category, the CCTV the council has put in is greatly effective, and while we could always have more it has been pleasing."

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