Kiama residents have called into question the presence of NSW Police in the Kiama LGA following a perceived recent uptick in the number of car thefts and break-ins.

Residents have taken to social media to share their stories about how vandals have broken into their vehicles at night, or even taken the vehicle in its entirety. While the number of social media posts has increased, that doesn’t necessarily mean crime rates have increased as well.

On the night of 16 August 2023, at least five cars were reported on social media to be stolen or broken into. NSW Police Media told The Bugle that a white Toyota RAV4 was reported stolen to police from Kiama Heights. Officers found the car on fire at around 5:40 am in Batemans Bay, confirming it was the same vehicle that was stolen from Kiama Heights.

These incidents incited a bevy of social media posts about unlocked cars being searched for valuables at night in the same area by a group of between two and four people, and some items of value including cash were reportedly taken.

If social media is to be believed, up to five cars were stolen in Kiama on the same night, and another two were found burnt out. One local told The Bugle that a Volvo was stolen from Kiama Heights, and another said her daughter’s car was taken from the Kiama Railway Station on the same night.

However, NSW Police Media told The Bugle they had not received any other reports of stolen cars on the same night, and has requested specific details to be reported so if any pattern emerges, it could be established and perpetrators identified.

Anyone with information is urged to call Bega Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The most recent statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows that the number of motor vehicle thefts across the state rose from 10,586 from April 2022 to 12,836 in March 2023. There was specifically a rise in car thefts in the Illawarra in that 12-month period as well, but only from 448 to 472. The Bureau believes this is a return to normal pre-Covid level of activity.

Some of the social media posts called for the return to Kiama Police Station being staffed on a 24-hour basis, or at least increased patrols in the area.

David Watmore, State Secretary for the NSW Board of Neighbourhood Watch urged the Kiama community to register their Ring cameras on their front doors with local police, which could be used to identify perpetrators.

“It would be great to hold a meeting with the police, council and the community to discuss the possibility of reforming a Neighbourhood Watch,” David said.

“Yes, it still exists and has grown by 400 per cent in the last four years. Neighbourhood Watch has grown because people are wanting to improve their community and make them safer and more secure.”

The Bugle wants to hear your thoughts, should we establish a Neighbourhood Watch program in Kiama? Let us know at [email protected] or click here