Three Mathoura incidents were reported to police over the weekend of February 8-9, which are being investigated alongside continued break-ins in the Deniliquin area.
Mathoura resident Tom Weyrich said it has the whole community on edge again, saying “most of us don’t feel safe in our own homes”.
And he said the angst is heightened by the fact Mathoura’s police station is virtually condemned, meaning the community relies on Moama and Deniliquin-based officers.
The need for station upgrades has been raised on more than one occasion, usually ramping up when crime spikes.
Mr Weyrich started lobbying for the upgrades in 2023, when the front entrance was first deemed ‘out of bounds’ and he was still a councillor with Murray River Council.
As he was not re-elected to council in September, he is appealing to the new Murray River Council to continue to push the NSW Government for the necessary funding.
“The immediate problem is the allocation of resources, and Mathoura is just not getting its fair share because our station is practically condemned,” he said.
“I can’t help but think a lack of a permanent station, and therefore officers in Mathoura while on duty, is involved in what we’ve been seeing lately.
“Reopening the station might not stop it completely, but it would certainly be more of a deterrent.
“This station not only protects the local community, but also the 4000 to 6000 additional people we attract in peak holidays periods like Christmas and Easter.
“It requires more attention from the NSW Government and our council.”
Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Michael Fuller said two businesses in Mathoura reported break-ins, and the third incident was a residential break-in while the occupant was at home.
Money, computers, jewellery and household items were reported missing from a licensed premise in Livingston St.
The break-in is believed to have occurred about 1am Friday, February 7.
Another licensed venue on the Cobb Hwy was broken into about 4.20am Monday, February 10, with a small amount of alcohol taken.
At the Mathoura St home, between midnight and 5am Sunday, Feburary 9, personal items and cash were stolen from inside the home, and the resident’s car was also taken.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is urged to contact Deniliquin Police Station on 5881 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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