Rates of a range of theft and break-in-related offences have dropped across the Hunter in the past two years, according to the latest crime data.
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But the new NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures, released on Wednesday, also show that sexual assault has risen by 27.5 per cent at Lake Macquarie.
The data shows crime rates over the 24 months to September, 2020.
The rate of sexual assault at Lake Macquarie was the only crime category to increase in the Hunter in that period, when comparing local government areas.
Meanwhile, 18 categories related to robberies, thefts and break-ins dropped in frequency across the Hunter.
Thefts from retails stores decreased by 42.3 per cent at Cessnock, 30.6 per cent at Lake Macquarie, 27.9 per cent at Maitland, 31.5 per cent at Muswellbrook and 24.9 per cent at Port Stephens.
Cases of thefts from motor vehicles dropped by 26.4 per cent at Cessnock and 48.6 per cent at Muswellbrook.
Robberies at homes have fallen by 46.2 per cent at Singleton.
In Newcastle, thefts from motor vehicles and homes each dropped by about 19 per cent while cases of stealing from persons decreased by 34.5 per cent.
Lake Macquarie police commander Superintendent Danny Sullivan said the drop in retail offences in his district could be partly attributed to high-visibility operations at Charlestown Square - particularly on Thursday nights.
"This precinct has seen, and is continuing to see, a high number of youths congregate which directly attributes to youth crime, stealing offences and anti-social behaviour," he said.
"Our officers have ongoing operations in this area to target these offences and ensure the community and patrons within the precinct feel safe and supported.
"We are also seeing a significant drop in break and enter and steal from dwelling offences, which is one of several crime categories our Proactive Crime Team have been focusing on, both on the eastern and western side of the lake.
"We note an increase in sexual assault offences and we can attribute that to persons feeling comfortable to come forward and report incidents to police and also the reporting of historic offences."
Newcastle City police commander Acting Superintendent Tim Chinn said the figures were "a fantastic result".
"Property offences have been a particular focus for our Proactive Crime Teams over the past few months, and the results show decreases in offences for break, enter and steal from dwellings, plus steal from motor vehicles and steal from person," he said.
"Newcastle City PD continue to run regular operations in our shopping precincts targeting stealing offences and anti-social behaviour. As we progress into summer with more persons visiting our region, our officers will continue to conduct these patrols to ensure the overall community feel safe to go about their daily tasks."
