COMMUNITY leaders and residents in the Bland Shire are calling for urgent action to address a growing lack of police presence in the region, following a sophisticated break-in at a local car dealership that has left many feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
In the early hours of Friday 9th May, Armstrong Toyota in West Wyalong was the target of an organised and coordinated hit, which saw thieves steal a customers landcruiser ute, a safe, multiple workshop tools, a toolbox and electronic mechanical equipment. Up to three offenders, including at least one individual described as being of dark skinned appearance, forced their way into the business in what authorities are treating as a calculated operation.
With no 24-hour police service in West Wyalong or the broader Bland Shire, emergency response time for an officer to arrive was three hours, an additional three hours for forensics to arrive.
“Our workshop was classed as a crime scene and the business was unable to trade” said Cate. “While we appreciate the effort of our police force and the local Sergeant who attended to assess the crime, this highlights a critical gap in our community law enforcement coverage.”
Armstrong Toyota’s Cate Armstrong expressed deep concern over the growing risks posed by the limited police resources.
“Our community cannot be left without immediate access to police in serious situations like this,” Cate said.
“The people of West Wyalong deserve the same protection and peace of mind as those in larger towns and cities.”
Local residents have echoed the Armstrong’s frustration, with many reporting rising anxiety about crime spikes and the slow response times during after-hours incidents. The absence of round-the-clock policing has left businesses, families, and vulnerable residents exposed during the most critical times. The incident at Armstrong Toyota has served as a stark reminder of the limitations in current policing arrangements, with some residents describing it as “the last straw.”
Sources confirmed that while local officers based in West Wyalong do operate during the day, overnight coverage is sometimes reliant on backup from Griffith or other nearby stations, depending on officer availability. The time it takes for police to arrive from Griffith — often over an hour — has become a pressing concern for emergency situations. This issue is not uncommon in NSW regions, sadly. The NSW Police Force has yet to formally respond to renewed calls for a permanent 24-hour police presence in West Wyalong, or particulars about the car theft case at Armstrong’s Toyota but a spokesperson acknowledged the community’s concerns and confirmed that an internal review of regional resourcing is currently underway under the Minns ALP government. In the meantime, investigations into the Armstrong Toyota break-in are ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and authorities are appealing for public assistance in identifying the perpetrators involved. As regional crime trends shift and towns like West Wyalong continue to grow, many in Bland Shire say the time for temporary fixes has passed.
“This isn’t just about a break-in, it’s about feeling safe in our country town — and right now, we don’t. We have implemented a number of measures in both our dealerships, to ensure if a future break in was to occur, security and police are immediately notified, along with ourselves,” Cate said. Anyone with information about the Armstrong Toyota incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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