The
crime statistics for the period for August, September and October 2016 are published
in this NHW report and the overwhelming standout is the number of stealing
matters that have been reported compared to other types of nominated
offences. Please take into consideration
when and where you store your valuables.
Ask yourself questions –
Do
I need a safe or hidden compartment in my home or business to secure certain
items, has my safe storage area been compromised (i.e. does someone that does
not need to know, now actually know where I store my jewellery or hide my
cash). Do I really need that item/s in
my house or is a bank safety deposit box a better option, do I need closed
circuit television at my home or business?
Additionally
a number of offences of “steal from motor vehicle” and “unlawful use of motor
vehicle” (UUMV) have also been reported on the Mountain. UUMV is basically - someone stole your
car. Prevent this by always removing
your ignition keys from the vehicle when not in use, even if you are standing
right next to it, thieves are bold and brazen.
They cannot help themselves - they have poor impulse control (many have
a drug problem). You have a nice car
they walk past, they see the keys in the ignition, they push you out of the
way, they climb into your car, they lock the doors and windows - and they are
off - and as reported recently in the press – sometimes with young bub strapped
into the child seat in the back.
Thankfully, for all that is good in this world the young child was
unharmed. Mum on the other hand is
understandably a nervous wreck.
To
minimise thieves taking your possessions from your car, hide those items out of
sight and lock the car. The number of
vehicles I have seen parked on or about the Mountain and insecure is
ridiculous, delivery vehicles left with engines running also astonishes me at
times. And whilst I am talking about
locking vehicles, please don’t be leaving pets and young children locked in
cars or unattended, the weather is heating up and if I am forced to smash open
a window to free a dog or child from a locked car – then I will do it, in a
heartbeat.
To
finish up and I know we don’t report statistics in regards to this type of
“offence” but I am talking about Domestic and Family Violence (DV). This is a complicated subject and a remedy
for one is not the same remedy that will suit another situation. However if you are a neighbour/ friend/
family member and you hear or witness any form of DV and you are uncomfortable
with it, then report it. Let us deal
with it or try and get the victim help.
Sometimes the victim is not in a position to tell anyone and the abuse
can continue. Some people will think
it’s not my family, it’s not my problem, I, don’t want to get involved. My thoughts on the matter: DV is everybody’s concern. If we don’t try to address it – then your
relative or loved one, could be the next victim to suffer.
The
above subjects and many more can be covered at the next NHW meeting, November
29th 7pm at St George’s Church Hall – hope to see you there!
Till next time please take
care of each other and stay safe.
Constable Pete
BLUNDELL
Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer
Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer
North Tamborine
Police
