With the introduction of the POLICE LINK phone number 131 444, the ability for police to direct their resources to the area of greatest need is proving to be very successful. Please use this number for all NON URGENT incidents.
It has been very disappointing to learn that following the resumption of the school year, there have been a number of offences in the 40km/hr school zones, which include speeding, seatbelt and child restraint offences. Please ensure that you follow the rules since the children are our future, we must set good examples.
Our speaker for February will be from the HOME ASSIST organisation. This a program which provides information, practical assistance and referrals to reputable tradespeople for jobs relating to Health, Safety, Security and general home maintenance. To be eligible for the program you must be 60 years or over OR any age with a disability, and living in your own home or rental accommodation.
Our speaker for March (who was unable to make the advertised meeting in February) will be from the PUBLIC TRUSTEE OF QUEENSLAND to discuss wills etc. I hope that you will find the talks we arrange for this year to be helpful and if you have any concerns regarding speakers you would like at upcoming meetings or if you would like the occasional day time meeting, please contact me via the details overleaf.
Take care Geoff
Crime is Preventable
House-breaking is one of the most common crimes.
The number of reported house-breaking cases in Queensland has increased in the past decade and
house-breaking now represents one in five of all criminal offences reported to police. However, research suggests that most of these crimes are preventable. Most house break-ins appear to be crimes of opportunity with entry gained through an open or unlocked window or door.
Most intruders are looking for (and often find) a house left open or unlocked where they can get what they want with ease and make a quick getaway.
Some General Crime Prevention Tips
Your house number should be easily seen so police and emergency services can find your premises quickly. Reflective numbers are helpful. If your house is on a corner the number should face the street named in your address.
It is unwise to leave messages on doors. They suggest no one is home. If having goods delivered while you are out, have a neighbour collect them. A parcel on the doorstep also indicates no one is home.
Funeral and wedding notices containing an address can tell a potential offender when to strike. If attending such events have a friend stay over or ask a neighbour to watch your house.
If living alone, it is best not to advertise the fact in the telephone book or on your letter box. Consider leaving a light on and the radio or television playing to give the impression that someone is home.
Cash and valuables should be kept out of easy reach, and out of sight. If you have a quality home safe use it. Consider a safety deposit box for especially valuable items.
If you hear an intruder in your home – do not risk injury. Concentrate on raising the alarm and staying safe. If outside, and you see signs of a break-in, do not enter. The intruder may still be present. Go to a neighbour’s house and seek help to call police and wait there until they arrive.
Use this quick checklist to review your home security.
| Yes | No | |
| Is your house number clearly visible from the street? | ||
| Can offenders be seen in your yard? | ||
| Do you have an automatic light timer or sensor activated lights? | ||
| Do you leave lights on when you go out? | ||
| Have you a phone extension in your bedroom? | ||
| Have you keyed in emergency numbers if you own a touchphone? | ||
| Are your front and rear doors solid core? | ||
| Are your doors fitted with a deadlock / deadbolt? | ||
| Do you have a quality security door? | ||
| If you do not have a security door, do you have a door viewer (peephole)? | ||
| Are your windows fitted with key operated locks or security grills? | ||
| Are your louvre windows fitted with bars or grilles? | ||
| Are your locks keyed alike so that one key opens all doors or windows? | ||
| If you have an alarm, is it always used and serviced regularly? | ||
| Is property engraved or marked for personal identification? | ||
| Is your garage locked with quality keyed locks at all times? | ||
| Is your meter box locked? | ||
| Is your garden shed securely locked? |
