THE NSW Attorney General, Michael Daley, said in a statement issued today that people in many regional communities continue to feel unsafe in their homes, and referred to the latest quarterly update by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

“The recent alleged assault on a motelier is a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living in rural and regional New South Wales. This alleged incident is just one of a troubling series of incidents,” the statement said.

“Police efforts under Operation Soteria and Operation Regional Mongoose have led to many arrests and charges.

“New measures to make it harder for young repeat offenders to get bail are in place, and youth detention numbers have increased as a result.

“A review of doli incapax, the legal presumption of incapacity to understand wrong-doing, for children aged under 14 is underway, led by former Supreme Court Justice Geoffrey Bellew SC and former Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police, Jeff Loy APM.

Attorney General Michael Daley, in Moree in July talking about place-based initiatives being rolled out across the Moree Plains shire.

“This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling youth offending,” the statement says.

Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, said events over the weekend in Moree, where a motelier, Mick Cikota, was allegedly stabbed while protecting his premises from teenaged intruders, are shocking.

“I am in contact with the victim’s family,” Mr Moylan said.

“He came out of surgery well on Sunday but is still in a lot of pain and has a long road to recovery ahead.

“The fact the alleged offender was granted bail and allowed back into the community is a disgrace.

“It is a complete failure of the judicial system in New South Wales.

“Instead of playing politics and refusing suggestions of practical solutions made by the Opposition to amend the Bail Acts, the NSW Government should listen to MPs who have feet on the ground in their communities.

“Our communities should not have to live in fear. I will continue to push for change so we can feel safe in our communities,” Mr Moylan said.

A statement from the Cikota family issued today, said “our much-loved husband and father was attacked and stabbed at our family business over the weekend”.

“This has been an incredibly traumatic time for us, and we are deeply grateful that Mick not only survived, but is now on the road to recovery.

“Mick needs rest and time to heal. We kindly ask that our privacy be respected during this period.

“Knowing Mick, when he is ready, he will be happy to share his own words.”

BOCSAR stats say property-related offences in regional NSW have dropped by 8.9 per cent over the past two years to July 2025, with some areas seeing even larger decreases.

Far West and Orana lead the way with a 22 per cent fall, while the Riverina has seen a 16.6 per cent decline.

Across regional New South Wales, crimes like break-and-enters, robbery, stealing from cars and malicious damage have all decreased by at least 7 per cent.

Far West, Orana, and Central West have recorded significant drops in break-and-enters, motor vehicle thefts and stealing from cars, with some reductions exceeding 30 per cent.

“While these numbers suggest progress, we know they do not tell the whole story,” Mr Daley’s statement says.

“People in many regional communities continue to feel unsafe in their homes.

“We understand that these statistics offer little comfort to those who have been victims of crime and those who feel vulnerable and scared.

“We hear those concerns clearly and know there is more work to do.

“We are committed to doing what it takes to make regional NSW safer for everyone.”