“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the exceptional work of officers in the Hunter Valley Police District in deterring and combatting local crime,” he said.

“The latest quarterly data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) reflects the tireless efforts of local police and the cooperation of the community.

“The report, released by BOSCAR, shows that in the 24 months to December 2017, all but one major crime category remained stable or fell across the state.

“Community safety is of paramount importance, so it’s reassuring to see the following crime categories trending downwards locally.”

That includes: 

* Steal from motor vehicle is down 44.1 per cent (Upper Hunter LGA) 

* Malicious damage to property is down 36.6 per cent (Upper Hunter LGA)

* Steal from retail store is down 34.6 per cent (Muswellbrook LGA)

* Break & Enter non-dwelling is down 33.3 per cent (Muswellbrook LGA)

* Motor vehicle theft is down 32.2 per cent (Muswellbrook LGA)

“Frontline police officers work day-in, day-out fighting and preventing crime, but they can’t do it alone,” Mr Johnsen said.

“I would like to thank the Upper Hunter electorate community for working with our local police and reporting crimes. 

“Community safety is a top priority for this government and these results show our tough and proactive stance on crime is having a positive effect.”