Illawarra's new police chief targets DV as incidents surge
New police chief Stephen Hegarty targets soaring domestic violence in Illawarra.
Stephen Hegarty has been appointed assistant commissioner for the Illawarra and South Coast region. Hegarty takes charge as the police force mourns constable Mia Lay, 20, who died in a car crash on September 25.
Mia Lay was responding to a stolen vehicle report. Hegarty said officer safety is paramount.
Domestic violence is soaring in the region. There were 1,245 incidents over the past two years, up from 1,132.
This marks the state's second-highest increase. The new commander is also targeting street crime like robberies and break-ins.
Road trauma is another focus, where 62 people have died this year. Hegarty believes focusing on repeat offenders can drive numbers down.
About 20 per cent of people commit 80 per cent of crime. E-bike safety is another focus after two recent serious crashes.
- 1,245 in two years, up from 1,132
- DV incidents
- 62 people this year
- Road deaths
Why it mattersDomestic violence and street crime are rising. They directly affect safety for residents in one of NSW's fastest-changing regions.
AustraliaIllawarra and South Coast residents will see a new police strategy targeting DV, street crime and road deaths, with focus on repeat offenders and e-bike compliance.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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