1 August, 2016 | National News
National Missing Persons Week – first week in August
One person goes missing every 15 minutes in Australia, more than 35,000 people are reported missing each year, and more than 2,000 people are currently listed as a long-term missing person.
It is a common myth in the community that people have to wait 24 hours to report a person as missing—this is not the case. Report your concerns to police immediately.
Most people reported missing to police are located within a short period of time. Of those reported, more than 95 per cent are located within one week and 99.5 per cent of all missing persons are eventually located. While the majority of those reported are located, a significant number of people, approximately 1600, remain missing long-term (for more than three months).
Anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or educational background, may become a missing person; however, adults are more likely to be listed as long-term missing persons.
For more information, and to view profiles of missing persons in Australia, visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.
25 May, 2016 | National News
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Australians lose over $229 million to scams in 2015
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Targeting Scams Report reveals that $85 million was reported lost to the ACCC’s Scamwatch last year, with 105,200 scam complaints. In 2014, the ACCC received 91,600 scam complaints, with almost $82 million reported lost.
The ACCC is urging the community to ‘Wise Up to Scams’ following a $3 million increase in scam losses reported to the ACCC and a 15 per cent increase in complaints. In particular, they are encouraging older Australians to wise up and watch out for scams that target them so they don’t have their hard earned savings stolen.
For the first time, the ACCC has also reviewed data from other jurisdictions that receive reports or detect scams to get a clearer picture of the significance of losses caused by scam activity in Australia. After removing those scams reported to the ACCC, reports to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) revealed losses of over $127 million in 2015, from 25,600 complaints.
Have you been the victim of a scam?
Make a report on the Scamwatch website!
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29 April, 2016 | Local Events
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Personal violence is significantly under reported to police. Personal crime offenders target people they perceive as vulnerable and likely to offer the least resistance.
When out and about
- Appear confident, self assured and comfortable in your surroundings through strong, positive body language. Look ‘streetwise’ rather than fearful.
- Be aware of your surrounds and alert to what is going on around you.
- Listen to, trust and act on your instincts. If you sense danger from someone, something or a place, immediately remove yourself to a safer place.
- Do what you think will bes preserve your safety. Options include running away, screaming, negotiating with the attacker, calling for assistance and using physical self defence as a last resort.
- Don’t put up a fight for your bag or possessions. If someone threatens you and tries to steal your belongings, the safest option is to surrender the items. Take note of the offender’s description and immediately report the incident to police.
If you are the victim of any form of assault, you are encouraged to report the incident to police.
If you observe suspicious or threatening behaviour, call police. You can dial 000 (triple zero) in an emergency, even if your phone is locked.
If safe to do so, respond to any calls for assistance. Assisting others in need is important and may prevent or stop an assault from escalating.
Wearing headphones or using your mobile phone while out walking can reduce your awareness of what is happening around you and make you more vulnerable to an attack.
Source: NHWA Journal April 2016
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4 February, 2016 | Safety and Security
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Have you heard the expression SOFT BREAK AND ENTER?
Recently, when speaking with our local Crime Prevention Officer, he explained that SOFT BREAK AND ENTER means a thief entering a home without forced entry. This comes about by household residents not securing their home correctly, leaving garage doors open, not securing the door from the garage to the house interior or otherwise leaving an entry point for criminals to enter by.
You have heard folk say, “It will not happen to me” and unfortunately it can.
This bad habit by householders means that money, handbags, vehicle keys or anything of value could be stolen, or even worse, come face to face with the person who wants to steal your property or even harm you.
You would have often heard the Police and NHW Volunteers use the expression LOCK IT OR LOSE IT. While this tends to apply to vehicle security it’s just as relevant (or more so) to your own home. This is not a slogan we take lightly and neither should householders; even when at home.
Residents, when home day or night, should secure their home. Make sure when you are in the backyard to ensure front of house is secured, that windows & doors are all locked, EVEN ON HOT DAYS. If you don’t have security screens fitted to your windows or doors then we strongly suggest inquiring into obtaining some.
It goes without saying when retiring for the night to check all entry points to make sure they are secure. We would even suggest double-checking. If you have children then also secure their bedroom windows. It has been known that intruders have gained entry to the home through a child’s bedroom window.
Now you know how important it is when we say LOCK IT OR LOSE IT. Practise good home security for your peace of mind and those in your household. Don’t let your neighbourhood become known as a soft target area
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2 December, 2015 | Safety and Security
A large number of break and enters are easily preventable. Many of these offences occur during the holiday season. A large number occur when your home appears to be vacant and it becomes obvious that no one is home.
Most homeowners and renters spend tens of thousands of dollars fitting their home with contents like appliances and furnishings. Additionally, the amount spent on purchases such as clothes and entertainment items like cameras and CDs can also be significant. All these are investments which are worth protecting.
If you’re planning on going away during the upcoming school holidays you should:
- Check that everything is locked and secured before leaving. Lock ALL windows, doors, garden shed, gates, garages and any other areas of your home that are able to be secured.
- Ask trusted friends or neighbours to clear your mailbox and check on your home occasionally while you are away; advise them of where you can be contacted.
- Ensure your phone message doesn’t state that you are away on holidays as this may give thieves the information that they desire.
- Stop all deliveries that you are expecting.
- Check with your local police station to see if they offer patrol services for unattended residences during holiday season.
For more tips and information download the Home Safe information brochure.
