Crime rates have either dropped or remained stable in Maitland during the past two years, according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data.
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The figures show there was a 24.2 per cent drop in motor vehicle thefts and an 18.2 per cent decrease in malicious damage to property offences in the Central Hunter local area command during the two years to June, 2014.
There was also a 19.4 per cent drop in break-ins to non-dwellings during that time.
There were less than 20 incidents in each of the remaining 17 major crime categories in the Central Hunter during this period, so no statistics were recorded.
Maitland MP Robyn Parker commended the work of police.
"Locally we have seen breaking and entering [non-dwelling], motor vehicle theft and malicious damage to property all decreasing significantly which is great news for our community," she said.
"This is a pleasing result and I congratulate the NSW Police Force and particularly the Central Hunter command for their untiring efforts ."
Police Minister Stuart Ayres said it was the first time in the 25 years since the bureau began keeping records that offence rates in all of the 17 major crime categories had remained stable or dropped across the state.
These categories include murder, assault, sexual assault, armed robbery and motor vehicle theft.
Mr Ayres congratulated Maitland police, saying crime fighting and prevention results in the Central Hunter were exceptional.
"I've seen nothing but quality and professionalism coming out of this part of the region," Mr Ayres said
"The Maitland area has recorded a significant decrease in criminal activity, which is a direct result of the proactive policing initiatives adopted by NSW police."
