Of 17 major crime categories featured in the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research's (BOCSAR) latest report, 10 in Lithgow have experienced an increase.

Indecent assault cases have jumped from 21 to 41, the report for the 12 months to September 2019 shows.

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While break and enter non-dwelling incidents increased from 25 to 49 (up 96.0 per cent); and steal from retail store jumped from 35 cases to 68 (up 94.3 per cent).

Other crime categories that experienced a surge were domestic violence related assaults which jumped by 46.3 per cent from 80 to 117 cases; while malicious damage incidents rose slightly from 214 to 234.

Among the crimes to decline in Lithgow this reporting period were break and enter dwelling (down 76 to 69), steal from motor vehicle (down from 62 to 55), and fraud which dropped from 159 to 130.

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Chifley Police District District Commander Acting Superintendent David Abercrombie said historically domestic violence cases were often hidden by victims and perpetrators.

"Due to media campaigns, and the good work of our domestic violence liaison officers, people are becoming more comfortable to report these matters to police," he said.

"There are a significant number of support agencies and services that operate in support of domestic violence victims and offenders."

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A/Supt Abercrombie said the increase in break and enter non-dwellings could be attributed to historically low result achieved in the previous year.

"The five year trend is still down by almost 20 per cent and this was the second best annual result out of the last five years," he said.

A/Supt Abercrombie said police were "keeping a close eye" on the number of steal from retail store cases which had increased from three a month to just over five.

"We encourage all [business] owners to report all incidents of retail theft to us so that we are aware of it first and foremost," he said.

A/Supt Abercrombie said CCTV, engagement with customers and being aware of tactics used by people to distract shop attendants could help retailers reduce the number of theft cases.

"If you are suspicious about people within the store then contact the police," he said.

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A/Supt Abercrombie said while it was great to see a drop in the number of reported frauds, that the community must remain vigilant.

"Be alert to the fact that scams exist, know who you're dealing with," he said.

"It's vitally important to remember to never supply your personal details to people over the phone.

"Be aware of email scams and phone scams. Don't open suspicious texts, pop-up windows, or click on links or attachments in emails - delete them."

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