Fairfield councillor and Cabramatta resident Thang Ngo says one street in neighbouring Canley Heights has recorded at least 85 break-ins in the past six months but to his knowledge only nine robberies were reported.

Mr Ngo told parliamentarians inquiring into police resources for the suburb that language and cultural differences are the main factor in residents not coming forward.

But he says a lack of police commitment had also played a role in the undetected criminal activity.

He says none of the break and enter crime scenes in Avonlea Street were ever dusted for fingerprints and no-one has been charged.