The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest quarterly crime statistics for NSW.

Once again the Hume Local Area Command (LAC) was shown to be a safe place to work, live and visit.

While this is great news for residents and businesses, we still need to be vigilant and not become too complacent.

You are our eyes and ears, so please report anything suspicious to police immediately so we can continue to live in this lifestyle we enjoy.

However, there is one area I believe we need to be particularly aware of, and that is fraud and scams.

There are still members of our community who are giving strangers - over the phone - their personal details, including bank details.

We have had people giving money over to strangers who have reported to be from their bank, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Federal Police, or even people stating they are raising money for local sick people.

I'm asking residents, friends and relatives to keep an ear out for our elderly community members, who are commonly targeted by scammers.

If you hear them talking about getting these calls or if they have handed money over, assist them where you can and notify police.

ScamWatch, a government website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has a list of recent scams if you want to check on something suspicious, or to help yourself stay informed.

See more at scamwatch.gov.au

Also, be wary of trades people knocking on your door unannounced offering to do cheap work for you for up front cash.

Again, if you think they are suspicious get their vehicle registration numbers and let your local police know.

Remember the old saying: if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Until next week, stay safe.