The bureau released its latest findings yesterday, which included figures for incidents police recorded up to the end of December last year.

Stealing offences from homes in the Maitland LGA rose by 71 incidents between 2012 and 2013, while cases of malicious damage to property dropped by 191, from 1122 to 931.

While incidents of fraud increased in most parts of NSW, mainly the unauthorised use of credit cards, cases in Maitland dropped from 338 in 2012 to 247 last year.

Police Minister Michael Gallacher said the results for the state were pleasing.

“It is extremely encouraging to see so many crimes going down and shows the extra 505 police officers this government has delivered is helping to reduce crime,” Mr Gallacher said.

“It is very pleasing to see that per capita crime rates in 2013 showed significant drops compared to rates in 1990.

“As the latest figures concerning fraud remind us, we all must be vigilant in safeguarding our personal banking accounts and information.”

He said there had been an increase in the number of reports of indecent assault including historical incidents.

“And I encourage members of the public to continue reporting sexual offences,” Mr Gallacher said.

Opposition spokesperson for Hunter Sonia Hornery took aim at the number of break-ins across the Hunter region.

“Our police do the very best they can with very limited resources, but they need more,” she said.

There were 41 extra cases of domestic violence assaults and 38 fewer non-domestic violence assaults last year, compared to those in 2012.

Main changes between 2012 and 2013

* Malicious damage to property: 1122 to 931 (down 191)

* Fraud: 338 to 247 (down 91)

* Break and enter (non-dwelling): 270 to 198 (down 72)

* Steal from dwelling: 232 to 303 (up 71)

* Break and enter (dwelling): 399 to 443 (up 44)

& Assault, domestic violence: 328 to 369 (up 41)

* Assault, non-domestic violence: 334 to 296 (down 38)