The latest figures for the 12 months to December 31, 2017 show falls across the Bathurst region in many of the major crime categories. That is certainly something to celebrate.

Strange as it might seem, however, even where there has been a rise in the figures for two crime categories there is something of a silver lining for local officers.

Local officers have attributed rises in the categories of sexual assault and domestic violence – in part, at least – to an increased willingness of victims to report the crimes.

In years gone by there has been a culture secrecy shrouding these crimes, with some victims fearful of being stigmatised should they come forward.

In the past there may also have been a reluctance of officers to take every case seriously. Let’s hope those days are gone.

Domestic violence and sexual assault crimes are a terrible stain on our community and we must all share in the responsibility of stamping them out.

The number of crimes reported in 2017 – 216 domestic violence cases and 59 sexual assaults – are appalling, but we should be encouraged that so many victims have come forward. That is an important first step in effectively tackling those crimes.

Elsewhere, local police are crediting a focus on drug-related crimes as helping to bring down statistics across a broad range of categories.

We have all been impressed – and a little shocked – by the number of drug arrests in our city in recent weeks but the focus on drugs clearly stretches back to 2017 as well, and the figures tell the story.

Break and enters were down; steal from motor vehicles were down; motor vehicle thefts were down; steal from retail stores were down; and steal from dwellings were down.

That’s a compelling tale of success and police know from experience that often the proceeds of these crimes are used to buy drugs. By targeting drug crime, it appears officers have recorded major wins across the board.

But we can’t leave it solely to the police. As always, the community has an important role to play in fighting crime in our city.

Speak up if you hear something, come forward if you know something. It’s the least we can all do.