Acting inspector Sergeant John Klepczarek largely attributed rates being “significantly down” for this time of year to the inclement weather of the past few months.

“This is the time of year we’re usually by far our busiest,” he said.“We haven’t had the large amount of crime or anti-social behaviour we’ve seen in the past.

“It’s very pleasing at the moment, but we’re never satisfied and constantly respond to information from the public.”

Sgt Klepczarek also requested that those in the Oak Flats, Warilla and Flinders areas keep valuables out of sight when leaving their cars.

“The community can help greatly by removing valuables from cars,” he said.

“A lot of the time people don’t intend to break into cars - it’s an opportunistic crime.

“We’ve had a higher number (there) than other suburbs in the past few months, so we’re asking people to remove items such as GPSs out of sight.”

He also cited “above average” incidences of issues around the water this summer.

“We’ve had quite a few searches and rescues of rock fishermen and swimmers, and people in water at inappropriate times,” Sgt Klepczarek said.

“It’s surprising the amount of disrespect some people pay to the ocean and the water.

“You need to be prepared, dress appropriately, go with other people and have safety equipment around. Things like freak waves happen; you can’t just blame it on that.”

Sgt Klepczarek said while the lower crime rates during recent months were encouraging, things could always improve further.

“We’re not in every street of every suburb,” he said.

“It all helps us target areas that we need to.”