Sunday, August 18, 2013

AUGUST MEETING 2013

Next Meeting
at
Crestmead PCYC
Monday August 26th 6.30pm
Speaker from Logan City Safe

 
FOLLOWING MEETING
Monday September 30th 6.30pm
Speaker from Paraplegic Benefit Fund

 

PCYC BLUE LIGHT DISCO
Friday September 13th 6.00pm
Theme—Freaky Friday


2013 August NEWSLETTER

Message from The Area Coordinator
We had a very good attendance at our last meeting at the police station and it was good of Acting Chief Superintendant Noel Powers to come along and speak to our group. We must thank acting Inspector Rob Mulhern for making the station available to us and we received good news from both policemen in the fact that Logan District has benefitted from more than 100 new police officers this year and Crestmead in particular is able to see the fruits of the extra personnel. There is much more proactive policing going on with officers able to walk around shopping centres in addition to the car patrols that are seen more and more often. In fact there are now 7 bike patrols at the station and this of course means that police can get to a lot of places that cars would not reach quite so easily. The station now has the luxury of no vacancies and there is the promise of a further 100 police to be approved for Logan this has to be applauded. There is further good news with the new police helicopter recently arriving at the base on the Gold Coast and if you have heard the eye in the sky at all that is because it does regular sweeps from the border to southern suburbs of Brisbane. This is proactive policing at its best and soon there will be better access of technology with the police being able to capture rego details with the Automatic Number Plate Recognition service ANPR which will aid them even more in the fight against unregistered, uninsured and possibly criminal elements driving our streets.
Social media is now going to be the big contact for groups and individuals. We will still produce our newsletter, and continue to put it on the website but use of facebook and blogs seem to be the way of the future. With the introduction of my police blog Logan you can get updates daily (or more frequently if you wish) by logging on to: http://mypolice.qld.gov.au On the right hand side just above the road toll figures you can enter your email address to have the updates sent to you.
For those of you who can’t attend a NHW meeting and become a member it is possible therefore to be an online member and keep up to date with current information.
Of course with the additional personnel from the police college we should also like to recognise the work that the Volunteers in Policing do. This is a huge benefit to the station staff and the work and hours that are involved are very much appreciated. Well done!
Speaking of the on line side of communication it is an ideal time to remind you of the necessity to be wary of scams and problems that you can be faced with the old adage that “if it seems to be too good to be true it probably is” reminds us all not to fall for the fake emails to inform you that you have won a lottery you never entered, or that you are the beneficiary of some funds left by someone that would obviously be just too incredible. If you are lonely and sign on to make friends on the internet just beware and do not fall for some of the fake people out there. Of course there are the good stories to come out of these sites but there are far more bad ones too. Take care Geoff

Remember the 5 R’s when surfing the net
REALISE - THE PEOPLE YOU CHAT WITH MAY NOT BE WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE
REFUSE - REQUESTS FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION AND ENSURE YOUR INTER-NET PROFILE IS PRIVATE
REVIEW YOUR CONTACTS - IT IS NOT COOL TO HAVE CONTACTS YOU DON’T KNOW
RESPOND - QUICKLY IF YOU EVER FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE ON LINE. CLOSE THE PROGRAM AND TELL YOUR PARENTS OR A FRIEND
REPORT - ANY SUSPICIOUS OR DANGEROUS ON LINE CONTACT TO THE POLICE

ON LINE SAFETY TIPS
NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THE NET, LIKE YOUR FULL NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR SCHOOL
ENSURE YOUR SCREEN NAME DOES NOT REVEAL PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU
REVIEW YOUR ON LINE PROFILE - PREDATORS CAN USE THIS INFORMATION TO FIND YOU
ONLY ALLOW YOUR FRIENDS TO VIEW YOUR PERSONAL BLOG AND PROFILE
NEVER SEND YOUR PICTURE TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW
DON’T ACCEPT INVITATIONS TO VIEW WEBCAMS FROM UNKNOWN INTERNET US-ERS
NEVER ARRANGE FACE 2 FACE MEETING WITH SOMEONE MET ON LINE
UNDERSTAND THAT PREDATORS ASK PERSONAL QUESTIONS AND ATTEMPT TO BECOME FRIENDS QUICKLY
TIME CHATTING ON LINE DOES NOT EQUAL TRUST OR KNOWING THE PERSON

Following from last months advice regarding the new road rules and penalties
Leaving vehicle without handbrake on $44 +0 points.
Failing to have a hand on the steering wheel whilst stopped at lights
Having Sat Nav in an impeding position


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Speed tolerance levels – Vehicle speedometer accuracy - some general information



Speed tolerance levels – Vehicle speedometer accuracy - some general information

Speed tolerance levels – Vehicle speedometer accuracy
· Manufacturers place a plate on a vehicle to indicate that it complies with Australian requirements for vehicle safety, standards, Australian Design Rules, etc, and as such the requirements for accuracy of the speedometer is disclosed to the public. If an owner changes the configuration of their vehicle which alters the required specifications, it is their responsibility to ensure they have a way of knowing the correct speed of their vehicle.
· The Australian Design Rules are available on the internet for people to ascertain the permitted tolerance for their car. The compliance with the design rules ensure a driver will not exceed the QPS tolerance levels if they stay within the speed limits according to their speedometer.
· There are various ways a motorist is able to check their vehicle’s speedometer for specific accuracy or gross error. A person can request a check via RACQ/motor repairer, a GPS device, and TMR roadside speedometer check points (time over distance based)

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Missing Persons Week 2013 - Being proactive to help keep family and friends safe



Missing Persons Week 2013 - Being proactive to help keep family and friends safe

With Missing Persons Week 2013 underway, the Queensland Police Service is reminding families to take the steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable members of your family.
During 2011/2012 financial year, Queensland police received 252 reports from family and friends reporting persons over the age of 60 missing (with many suffering a medical condition including dementia related conditions).
While in most cases missing persons are located very quickly and without incident, it is a situation that can be prevented with just a few simple steps.
“On average 17 people every day of the year are reported missing to police. Of course a number of these are calls to assist with an older person or a person living with an impairment who has gone missing or simply lost their way home and can be located quickly.
“We are always there to assist in these situations, but in many instances it is something that is avoidable,” Detective Superintendent Steve Holahan of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Group said.
“We understand that families are busy and have a number of stresses and competing priorities. However by being proactive you can feel a bit more confident in the safety of your family member and prevent the stress and trauma involved with a missing person incident,” he said.
Alzheimer’s Australia Queensland CEO Victoria Beedle says there are a number of ways to minimise the chance of your loved one with dementia going missing.
“Involving your loved one in meaningful activities throughout the day can reduce the boredom and restlessness that often leads a person with dementia to wander,” Ms Beedle said.
“More than 51,000 people in Queensland are living with dementia and it’s important to remember it can affect younger people. There are people in their thirties, forties and fifties living with a diagnosis of dementia too.
“If you’re worried about a loved one’s memory or wandering you can contact our National Dementia helpline on 1800 100 500 for more information,” she said.
Some tips include:
- Make sure the person has appropriate and current identification with them at all times in their wallet or purse. An identity bracelet with name, address and phone number is an excellent way to ensure their personal details are easy to access.
- Regularly update the photos you have of this person and make them easily accessible, should you need to access them in a hurry.
- Consider installing a bell or buzzer near doorways so you are aware when your loved one is leaving the home.
- Take the time to look at the local area they live in. Ask them to show you the local shops and facilities they visit and the route they take each time.
- Speak with their neighbours and local shop owners and ask if they can keep a friendly eye on your loved one. Provide them with a way to contact you.
- Never wait to report the matter to police if you think they may be missing. You do not have to wait 24 hours to report a person missing. Acting quickly in these situations enables police to respond to the matter and begin looking for your family member.
Missing Persons Week 2013 runs from July 28-August 3. For more information visit www.missingpersons.gov.au
For a list of missing persons across Queensland – visit the QPS website at www.police.qld.gov.au/
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.


Safe Plate Event - Park Ridge Shopping Centre


VIPs are doing a free safe plate event at the Park Ridge Shopping Centre on 22 August from 10am-12md

Turning the screws on crime



Turning the screws on crime

Stolen registration plates are used to disguise a vehicle in order to commit crimes and are also used on unregistered vehicles to make it appear as if the vehicle is registered. Regularly check your vehicle to see that both plates are still in place. If they have been stolen, report the theft promptly to local police.
Having your number plates stolen not only costs you money but there is also the inconvenience of having to arrange to have the plates replaced.
Why not consider having one-way screws fitted to your vehicle in order to make it more secure and difficult for your number plates to be removed by thieves. Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility and by taking advantage of this free service you can help police ‘turn the screws on crime’.
HAVE YOUR VEHICLE FITTED WITH FREE ONE WAY SCREWS BY OUR VOLUNTEERS
When: Thursday, 8th August 2013
Time: Between 9.00am and 11.30am
Where: Grand Plaza Shopping Centre, Browns Plains
Purple Car-Park (near Coles)
For further inquiries regarding one way screws, please contact the Logan District Crime Prevention Unit on 3826 1800. Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.