PHOTO: Adrian Worrell took advantage of voting day in Baradine to gather petition signatures from concerned locals like Garnett Martin. IMAGE: Liz Cutts
Baradine residents are expressing growing concerns over a surge in local crime and have launched a petition for a police presence.
Locals say they feel neglected and unprotected following the departure of the town’s resident police officer at the beginning of the year leaving the town without a dedicated law enforcement presence.
In response, community members have launched a petition urging the NSW Police Force to assign a permanent officer back to the area.
Locals say the absence of an on-site officer has led to an increase in vandalism, property theft, home invasion and hooning, with emergency response times reportedly stretching beyond three or four hours in some cases.
For a small rural town that once prided itself on safety and tight-knit community values, the recent rise in criminal activity has left many feeling vulnerable.
“We’ve always felt safe here,” said one lifelong resident, “But now, with no officer in town, people are even installing security cameras, something we would never have thought of in the past.
“There are a lot of people living on their own here; a lot of elderly people who get very nervous when things like this happen.
“We need a policeman in our town and something needs to be done about it.”
Baradine has relied on its resident officer for not only policing duties, but also community engagement and local events.
Since the departure, police coverage has been handled from Coonabarabran, nearly fifty kilometres away.
“It’s not fair that a community like ours should be left without proper protection,” said Adrian Worrell, who is coordinating the petition.
“We understand resources are stretched, but we’re not asking for a fleet of officers; just one person to be based here in Baradine again.
“I know it’s not a twenty-four-hour station, but just having someone living in the town and having a presence, even when they are not on duty, so people can talk to them.
“We are erratically policed from Coonabarabran and Coonamble, but those stations are under-manned as well.
“Criminal activity has definitely spiked since we lost our police officer.
“I know of an incident a few weeks ago that took place at eight o’clock in the morning and police could not attend until ten-thirty that night.
“Having a police officer in town deters criminal activity through a visible law enforcement presence, faster response times, and stronger community engagement.”
The petition, which has already garnered more than 500 signatures, calls on NSW Police and relevant government officials to reinstate a permanent officer in Baradine.
Organisers plan to submit it in the coming weeks and are urging all residents to sign it at the Baradine Post Office, Elders or ASM Mechanical.
In the meantime, residents are being reminded to report all incidents or suspected suspicious activity to police and stay vigilant.