NEWSLETTER JULY 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator

I hope that you have been able to keep warm during this recent very cold spell and please spare a thought for those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Once again the news has recently been published of the death of one person who remained in her home for EIGHT years without anyone noticing, and another in Perth of a man who had died 2 years previously and remained undiscovered. Please keep an eye out for your neighbours and if you notice that they have not been out and about for a day or two, do the friendly thing and knock on the door and see if they are ok. It could mean so much to that person to think that they have not been forgotten. Just think if it were you in a few years time or if it were affecting your family we could all do with a friendly face and some compassion these days.
We had a very informative talk from Linda Blackburne from the Office of the Public Trustee at our last meeting regarding wills, enduring power of attorney and advanced health directives. We have some leaflets if you want further information and the Public Trustee can be contacted for free advice on a range of services including free will making, deceased estate administration, financial administration for people with incapacity amongst other things. Phone 1300 360 044.
Our speaker for the July meeting is Howard Triffitt regarding the supply and installation of CCTV, security products and systems. Again a very informative talk I am sure and I hope you will come along to the PCYC at Crestmead to see the displays and ask any questions you may have of this increasing way of protecting your homes and property.
Well as you can see from the statistics we have had another good month of crime detection and limiting the amount of crime goes to the reporting of crime through the POLICE LINK number 13 14 44 thank you to all those who are using this number for non urgent crimes.
This is making a huge difference to the allocation of police resources. As you will see from the report in the Logan West Leader for July 13th there is an article on our NHW group and the partnership with the police and our NHW group thank you to all involved. With such a large area we need as many volunteers to help so please come along to our meetings or just give me a ring.
Take care Geoff


SCAMS
The Internet provides a medium whereby unscrupulous operators can target consumers, with the marketing of illegal schemes and scams. Some of the more common scams include:
· Get rich quick schemes
· Miracle health products
· Competitions & lotteries
· Pyramid/referring selling/multi-level marketing
· Nigerian loan/investment scams
· Work at home schemes
With the advancement of technology, email has become a fast and efficient method of forwarding unsolicited scam information to bulk recipients. Your address could have been obtained from various sources, including a virus affected address book that automatically sends or forwards mail without the knowledge of the user, or from online databases.
Be sceptical of individuals representing themselves as Nigerian or foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts. Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
The inquirer relies on some form of response on your behalf to continue the communication. Previous experience gleaned by law enforcement bodies indicates that if you do respond, the sender has obtained confirmation of an identity that they may later use to facilitate the commission of other offences. If you receive this type of email, it is recommended that you delete or ignore it without responding to the inquirer.
Be cautious when responding to special investment offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail) or when dealing with individuals/companies outside Australia, as problems can be experienced with locating the person and with the difference in laws.
Don’t invest in anything you are not absolutely sure about. Do your homework on the investment to ensure that it, the individual or the company is legitimate and inquire about all the terms and conditions. Check out other web sites regarding this person/company, however don’t automatically judge them by their web site. Don’t invest in anything based on appearances.
 Just because an individual or company has a flashy web site doesn't mean it is legitimate. Web sites can be created in just a few days and after a short period of taking money, a site can vanish without a trace. There have also been instances of websites being set up that ‘mirror’ the genuine website.
Misleading or deceptive conduct, or conduct which is likely to mislead or deceive is likely to  contravene section 52 of the Trade Practices Act. Contact the Australian Competition & Consumer
Commission if you think that you have been the subject of this type of conduct.
There is ample information available on the Internet in relation to scams currently marketed worldwide and the precautions to follow.
Some of the following links offer advice on spotting cyber scams and methods to protect you from becoming a victim:
www.scamwatch.gov.au
www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/8135
www.ifccfbi.gov
www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
To subscribe to weekly updates of scams, send an email to:
FairTradingUpdate@dtrft.qld.gov.au
Remember “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”


Now for the sad part of my message it is time to say goodbye to two of our local police officers Adam Allanson, who although he has only recently been at Crestmead police station, has been a great police liaison officer and very supportive of the NHW team. We wish him well in his new posting out in the country and thank him for his great job at Crestmead. Also leaving but on promotion to Senior Sgt is Col Henderson who has been with us all the way since we have been involved with NHW.
He was OIC at the police beat and has been such a great help with the work we have done with NHW, we could not have managed without his help and guidance. We wish you well Col in your move and promotion and hope that you will look in on us if you happen back this way in the future.


WATERFORD WEST STATE SCHOOL FETE SATURDAY AUGUST 27H
We will be holding a raffle and have giveaways at the school fete at Waterford West State School in John Street Waterford West so please come along and support us.
 

CRESTMEAD COMMUNITY CENTRE MARKETS
1st Saturday of the Month 10am to 2pm
New Stall holders welcome please contact 3805 1423
 

PCYC DROP IN NIGHTS FRIDAY 4PM TO 6.30PM
Come along and make new friends, watch a movie, play games in the park, or board games. Use the computers, try out a music instrument, sports and have a free meal and drink. Ages 10 - 17. Fully supervised activities contact PCYC for more details 3805 4100.

ENTERTAINMENT GUIDES

STILL ONLY $65 

SAVE YOURSELF HEAPS

AND

HELP NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY 

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
I hope that you find the enclosed financial year calendar handy with reminders of our meeting dates and phone numbers. Sorry for the lack of a newsletter last month whilst I was in the UK but I have brought back information which I hope we can use to make our community safer.
The current cold weather reminds us all to keep heaters, candles and any open flames safe. Never leave them unattended, make sure you have working smoke alarms (yes with new batteries in!) and if possible have a fire blanket or fire extinguisher near a kitchen. More information from www.fire.qld.gov.au or 1300 369 003.
The recent tragic loss of lives on the roads underlines the safety message still is not getting through is there anything we can do to help?
Would a road safety expo for youngsters at one of our parks be helpful to get our younger drivers ready for driving please parents let us know.
We still have ENTERTAINMENT GUIDES for sale at $65 each. They are full of 2 for 1 & discount offers in Brisbane & the Gold & Sunshine Coast areas & are valid until June 2012. $13 from each book goes directly to support NHW. Contact crestmeadnhw@hotmail.com or 0431 478 343.
Finally may I pass on from the Queensland Police Service and Crestmead Police Station their sincere thanks to residents and businesses for the generous donations towards Snr Constable Damian Leeding and his family. The officers were overwhelmed by the community support. Thank you.
Take care Geoff

HOW WE CAN HELP REDUCE STATISTICS
· Make your homes more secure don’t leave doors and windows open the opportunistic thief will take the slightest chance to enter your property
· Identify your property engrave, microchip or photograph and keep records/valuation certificates of your property
· Install movement activated sensor lights at front and rear of homes if possible
· Clear trees and shrubs away from property that would enable a thief ability to gain entry or to hide from view
· Keep front doors locked even when at back of house
· Ensure garages and sheds are locked tools can be stolen or used to enter property
· Keep valuables out of sight both in house and vehicles
· Do not keep vehicles unlocked (or with keys in ignition!)’
· Do not keep spare set of keys in obvious place outside your home better give to trusted neighbour or friend
· Do not allow parcels to be left undelivered arrange to be collected from Post Office
· If away for any length of time notify local police station

13HOON
HOON HOTLINE INTRODUCED
What is hooning?
Hooning may include donuts, drifting, fishtails, revving of engines, screeching brakes, skidding, burn outs, time trials/street racing and rolling road blocks.
What are the dangers of hooning?
Hooning behaviour, even performed at low speeds, may cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, leave the roadway and collide with a fixed object or a pedestrian.
The speeds associated with street racing coupled with driver inexperience can lead to fatalities.
How do I report hooning?
To report a hooning offence, observe the behaviour and note details such as vehicle registration, vehicle characteristics, time and location of the illegal activity and a description of the behaviour.
When you call 13HOON, a trained call taker will record your details and relay the information to police for follow up.
For hooning incidents currently underway and where there is no immediate danger to anyone by having police attend, your information will be forwarded to a Police Communications Centre to task police for response.
How does my report help police?
The information you provide to 13HOON is relayed to police for further investigation. This allows police to locate hooning hotspots and take action to prevent it re-occurring.
For non-emergencies, your call to 13HOON takes pressure off Triple Zero (000) call centre operators across the state while still allowing you to report hooning behaviour.
What are the penalties for hooning?
Under current anti-hoon laws police can impound a vehicle for 48 hours after a first repeat offence, up to three months for a second repeat offence, or permanently for a third repeat offence.
WITH THE RECENT INCIDENCE OF VEHICLE CRASHES AND LOSS OF LIFE IT IS UP TO THE COMMUNITY TO REPORT HOONING BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE AND ANOTHER LIFE IS LOST

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
Thank you to everyone who supported our recent Neighbour Day event in Pinnington Park. It was good to get together with people who have not been able to get to our meetings but are still interested
in the community which we are all part of.
I would like to thank both John Mickel and Phil Pidgeon for coming along, plus the members of the Crestmead Police who were able to talk to residents and answer questions. Also thanks to Quest newspapers for the advertising and support.
Let us hope next year we make an even bigger event and more friends than this year.
Congratulations to the winners of our raffle the Quinn and Martin families and thanks to everyone for their support. Our thanks also go to Homestead Markets and Woolworths Park Ridge and Kensington Fair Bakery for their generous support.
As you can see we are fundraising again with the Entertainment Guides and they are the same price as last year. The $65 will easily be recouped in a couple of meals or 2 or 3 trips to the cinema etc and the savings just continue for the next 12 months.
By the time this newsletter is delivered I hope we will have had a safe and happy Easter break and that drivers will have taken adequate breaks whilst driving and not taken risks. With winter soon to arrive
please check your electrical appliances and contact the Qld Fire and Rescue Service for advice. A few minutes spent in preparation can save a lot of heartbreak and havn’t we all had enough of that this year? See you at the May meeting. Take care
Geoff

Winter Fire Safety Tips

• Keep a clear space of 1 metre around heaters and never leave unattended.

• If you use a clothes dryer make sure you clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.

• To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on the bed for use to confirm it is okay.

• Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances.

• Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check.

• Only use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch.

• If possible, in the kitchen keep a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket placed near the exit.

• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.

Call 1300 369 003 to book your safehome visit from the fire station nearest you or visit www.fire.qld.gov.au

The Entertainment Book
Support Crestmead Neighbourhood Watch by purchasing an The Entertainment™ Book. The Book is full of discount and 2 for 1 offers in the Brisbane, Gold and Sunshine Coasts areas. It has a local restaurant and activity guide which provides valuable offers varying from the finest restaurants and hotels to cafes and takeaways, cinemas, theme parks, theatres and other activities. The Books are
available by email crestmeadnhw@hotmail.com or by contacting Geoff on 0431 478 343. The cost is only $65.00 per book for the year valid until June 2012 and $13.00 goes directly to Crestmead NHW to help support our community.

Market Day - Saturday 7th May
Crestmead Community Centre holds a monthly Market day on the first Saturday of every month. 8:00am - 12:00pm Stalls are $5.00 per carpark bay and $1.00 for table hire.
For more details please contact Lynne on 3802 1423 at Crestmead Community Association Inc. Crestmead Park,Gimlet Street

Area of possible Traffic Congestion
Roundabout at the corner of Gimlet & Augusta streets will undergo a beautification development in the near future expected to last for 6 weeks. This is a heavy traffic area with parents picking up & dropping off school children in the morning & afternoons. Please use alternate routes where possible.


National Cyber Security Awareness Week
30 May to 3 June 2011
National Cyber Security Awareness Week is an Australian Government initiative, held annually in partnership with industry, community and consumer groups and state and territory governments.
The Week helps Australians understand cybersecurity risks as well as educates home and small business users on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.
National Cyber Security Awareness Week 2010 was held from 6 to 11 June. Around 150 government agencies, industry, community and consumer organisations collaborated to deliver events and activities in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

The Week promoted six simple tips for better online security.
1. Install security software and update it regularly.
2. Turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes.
3. Get a stronger password and change it at least twice a year.
4. Stop and think before you click on links or attachments.
5. Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information - about yourself or your friends and family.
6. Know what your children are doing online. Make sure they know to stay safe and encourage them
to report anything suspicious.

Please note that the 2011 National Cyber Security Awareness
Week has been brought forward and will now be held from 30 May to 3 June.
For more information, or to find out about being involved, please contact:
Cyber Security Section
Department of Broadband,
Communications and the Digital Economy
GPO Box 2154
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: 02 6271 7062 Fax: 02 6271 1827
Email: ncsaw@dbcde.gov.au
Web: http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au

NEWSLETTER MARCH 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
It was a very informative talk at the police station for our February meeting from Patrick at Home Assist Secure. I would urge any of you who are on a pension or have a disability to contact them in order that they can assess what your needs are for things which will make your lives easier and more importantly safer.
On another subject please note that we will be holding a bbq at Pinnington Park on Sunday March 27th to celebrate NEIGHBOUR DAY. Between 11am and 1pm before the Australian Grand Prix gets underway.
Don’t forget that your neighbour is not only the person who lives next door to you but can be the person who sits next to you on the bus, who is the person in the queue at the shops, in fact is another person in the community. We are having giveaways and hope to have the PCYC and one of the local Park Rangers will also be able to attend. Logan Council will also provide information and we will have soft drinks for sale, so come and have a free sausage and cup of tea or coffee and meet your NEW friends! Safe pl8 screws will be available through our friends the Volunteers in Policing, to protect your car registration plates from theft.
Unfortunately as you can see we have a very bad month for crime statistics during February and this just underlines how much we need to be vigilant as far as looking out for anything that is unusual in your street or workplace area. We are the eyes and ears of the police and can help them enormously--next time it could be your property. Phone 131444 for NON URGENT incidents (see overleaf) but remember all calls are logged and you should still call 000 for life threatening emergencies.
Finally a reminder to change your smoke alarm battery on April 1st . Take care and hope to see you on March
27th and 28th. Geoff

HOME ASSIST SECURE
Home Assist Secure provides free
information, referral and subsidised
assistance to eligible clients.
INFORMATION can be given about home
maintenance, repairs, home security and
minor modifications. Then if required the
service staff can make a REFERRAL to
tradespeople and contracting experts in
order to undertake the work. For those
who are entitled it is possible for
SUBSIDISED ASSISTANCE to be made
available relating to their health, safety
and security.
ELIGIBILITY is dependent upon the
following for free information and referral,
& you must be a home owner or live in
rental housing :
· 60 years and over or
· Of any age with a disability
As well as the above, in order to receive
the subsidised assistance for work in your
home you need to be
· receiving an Australian Government
allowance or payment and
· Unable to make use of alternative
forms of assistance, such as Home
and Community Care, Department of
Housing, Department of Veterans
Affairs, family or friends.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
LOGAN & BEENLEIGH DISTRICTS
HOME ASSIST SECURE
3208 0604

NEIGHBOUR DAY SUNDAY MARCH 27TH
Crestmead NHW would like to invite you to
our free sausage sizzle and celebration of
Neighbour Day at Pinnington Park
Crestmead at 11am on Sunday March 27th.
There will be giveaways, stalls, drinks for sale
and a chance to meet with other residents.
With Crestmead being one of the fastest
growing suburbs in Logan there are many
new residents who do not have the chance
to meet their neighbours or get to know of
the facilities available. So come and meet
up with others, take time for a chat, have
a free coffee and sausage or buy a soft
drink. The park is on the corner of Kilby,
Pinnington and Augusta Streets, and there
is playground equipment for the children.
The advent of Neighbour Day was in 2003
by Andrew Heslop who was amazed by the
story of Mrs Elsie Brown who had been
found in her home in Melbourne. The fact
that she had passed away some 2 years
previously, and been forgotten about by
neighbours, family and friends, despite her
mail, newspapers, and store catalogues
piling up at her home was astounding. She
was found with a blanket wrapped around
her on her sofa, but even more amazing,
the water, electricity, gas and telephone
were all still connected.
How can someone live and die in such a
lonely existence in these days? We would
ask that each of you reach out to someone
and just check on them to see if they need
a helping hand—just a cheery word is
sometimes enough to let people know they
are not forgotten.

NEXT MEETING VENU FEBRUARY 2011

Where?

CRESTMEAD POLICE STATION

When?

Monday 28th February 2011

Starting at?

6:30PM

Guest Speakers?

Public Trustee of Queensland to speak about wills etc

April NO MEETING - EASTER

NEWSLETTER FEBURARY 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
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.

How Secure is Your Home?

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?

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
What can I say to you all regarding the tragic events of the past month with our incredible weather. One thing that has come out of the situation has been the amazing response of the volunteers who were willing to help out complete strangers in other parts of the city. Then there was the other side of the coin. One lady who had lost everything and was so overwhelmed by the help and compas-sion of the strangers, and yet had not received a phone call from any of her children who live inter-state. Let us hope that this amazing response can carry on and we can all help one another in the best ways possible. It may be the slightest thing such as helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping or garden, but there are many other people out there who could do with someone to chat to—a kind word costs nothing and a smile even less so let us think about our community and what we can do to make it a better place to live in. I hope that you were not affected by the flood waters, but do re-member that there is help available. Benefits have been provided for people to claim, but if you have become unemployed or can’t work due to the flood water there is benefits available so make sure you do claim. There are willing people who will assist with clean ups and repairs BUT DON’T fall victims to any of the scams going on with the usual criminal element who come out of the woodwork at times like this and want money up front. NEVER DO THAT.
Please become an active part of NHW and I hope to see you at the January meeting.
Take care Geoff


13HOON HOON HOTLINE INTRODUCED
What is hooning? Hooning may include donuts, drifting, fishtails, revving of engines, screeching brakes, skidding, burn outs, time trials/street racing and rolling road blocks.
What are the dangers of hooning? Hooning behaviour, even performed at low speeds, may cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, leave the roadway and collide with a fixed object or a pedestrian. The speeds associated with street racing coupled with driver inexperience can lead to fatalities.
How do I report hooning? To report a hooning offence, observe the behaviour and note details such as vehicle registration, vehicle characteristics, time and location of the illegal activity and a description of the behaviour. When you call 13HOON, a trained call taker will record your details and relay the information to police for follow up.
For hooning incidents currently underway and where there is no immediate danger to anyone by having police attend, your information will be forwarded to a Police Communications Centre to task police for response.
How does my report help police? The information you provide to 13HOON is relayed to police for further investigation. This allows police to locate hooning hotspots and take action to prevent it re-occurring.
For non-emergencies, your call to 13HOON takes pressure off Triple Zero (000) call centre operators across the state while still allowing you to report hooning behaviour.
What are the penalties for hooning? Under current anti-hoon laws police can impound a vehicle for 48 hours after a first repeat offence, up to three months for a second repeat offence, or permanently for a third repeat offence.


SLOW DOWN PLEASE
Children are back to school or university. Remember to observe and slow down in
designated school zones. 1 to 2 minutes stopped at a zebra crossings can save the
valuable lives and the trauma of injury to loved ones.


LOCK IT OR LOOSE IT
Help Reduce the risk of Vehicle Theft or Theft of your valuable property
ALWAYS LOCK doors and windows when your car is unattended.
Even at HOME in your driveway or garage LOCK doors and windows of your car.
REMOVE all valuables from vehicle.
If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, keep them OUT OF SIGHT.
DON’T LEAVE personal documents in your vehicle as you risk your identity being stolen.
PARK your vehicle where it can be observed easily by yourself or others
If parking your vehicle on the street at night, select a WELL-LIT AREA
SECURE YOUR KEYS and ensure they are not left where a thief may access them
HAVE VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etched onto major glass components of the vehicle.
Install an effective anti-theft device such as a fuel/ignition cut-out switch; an ignition shield; a visible
locking device; or a battery isolator and car alarm.
Be aware that older cars are often targeted by opportunist car thieves.
Check your REGISTRATION PLATES upon returning or before going out in your vehicle


DO NOT CALL REGISTER RENEWALS DUE?
This is still a free service https://www.donotcall.gov.au Register easily by phone on 1300 792 958 - The registration period for numbers has been extended from three to five years.