By DAN RYAN
A string of recent break-ins at charity stores in Cowra has prompted community outrage and renewed calls for greater police resources in the region.
NSW Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, expressed deep concern over the incidents, labelling them an attack on organisations that play a vital role in supporting vulnerable locals.
“I’m extremely concerned to hear about the recent break-ins at charity stores in Cowra,” Ms Cooke said. “These are vital community organisations doing good work for local people, and they should be able to operate without fear of being targeted by criminal behaviour.”
Ms Cooke reiterated her long-standing call for a permanent 24/7 police presence in Cowra, highlighting the need for consistent law enforcement to ensure community safety.
Latest Stories
“I’ve previously written to both the Police Minister and the Upper House inquiry into regional crime, calling for greater resources for Cowra and surrounding areas,” she said.
“Community safety should never be compromised by your postcode. Regional communities deserve the same level of peace of mind as those in metropolitan areas, and that is why I continue to raise this issue with the NSW Government.”
She also urged residents to play a role in ensuring their community's safety by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity.
“I encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers or local police so that these incidents can be properly investigated.”
In a statement, a police spokesperson expressed disappointment over the incidents, noting the damage done not just to the stores, but to the community spirit that underpins them.
“It is extremely disappointing that our community support agencies are being targeted, as these agencies help people in our vulnerable,” the spokesperson said. “Police will investigate and prosecute all thefts from retail stores, including charities.”
The thefts have hit hard in a town with a long history of volunteer action and strong community ties, where many locals donate goods or volunteer their time to support those in need. Police say the actions of a small number of individuals threaten to undermine this generosity.
“Many within our community have donated goods or volunteered their time to help others in need, and a small percentage of the community wish to selfishly take advantage of their charity. These individuals that break the law by stealing can expect to be prosecuted,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Thanks to tools such as CCTV, forensic investigations, and ongoing cooperation with the public, police say offenders face a growing risk of being identified and charged.
“Cowra Police will work with the community to reduce this type of crime as it affects the support that charities can provide to our vulnerable community members,” the spokesperson added.
Police are encouraging residents and business owners to take advantage of crime prevention advice available on the NSW Police Force website under the Community Safety and Crime Prevention sections.
To report crime, residents can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, use the NSW Police Community Portal, or contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
Local police are continuing investigations into the recent break-ins. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Due to the volume of submissions received and the Committee's intention to undertake broad stakeholder engagement across NSW, the Committee has extended its reporting deadline.
The NSW Parliamentary committee into Community safety in regional and rural communities is due to lay down its final report later this year in November, having extended the deadline after receiving a large number of submissions.
