Beer bottles thrown through business windows or left on the roadside. Obscene messages written in alleyways. What is our valley of wool, wine and waterways turning into?

“Some people simply have no respect for property which is not theirs,” Senior Constable Peter Betts told the Tribune at the time.

Sen Con Betts, who had spent about three decades in the force, said that many offenders did not see graffiti as destructive, but as an art form.

“Graffiti is often caused by people wanting to express themselves but with the wrong medium,” he said.

Yass Valley mayor at the time Nic Carmody said that the council was struggling to maintain the stamp of ‘Tidy Town’ while suffering from these attacks.

“Council and ratepayers simply have to wear the costs to keep the township at a reasonable standard,” Cr Carmody said.

“There is nothing wrong with people expressing their feelings through art, but as long as it is not destructive or vulgar,” he said.

Yass Magpies and Yass McDonalds encouraged local residents to dig deep for a good cause during a weekend.

The local footballers swooped down for donations as part of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.

The appeal was supported by McDonald’s franchises around the state, who agreed to present volunteers with vouchers for free Big Macs and certificates of appreciation.

“On behalf of McDonalds, I’m very pleased to support such a worthy cause.

“And a big thank you to the footballers for donating their time to support the local community,” operator of Yass McDonalds Karen Rae said.

Yass Police Station received four new general duties officers, part of a statewide rollout to help reinforce the Government’s ‘tough on crime’ stance.

The 750 officers statewide boosted the strength of the NSW Police to a reported record of 15,206 by January 30, 2007.

NSW Premier at the time Morris Iemma said that although major crime was at the lowest level in 15 years, there was no room for complacency.

Boorowa Police Station, however, did not benefit from the rollout, with the single officer there to continue.

NSW Police Minister at the time Carl Scully said that the increased numbers meant greater coverage.