Crime Intelligence
Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania recently examined the crime reports from a large town in southern Tasmania, for the six months of January to June this year. A key trend was identified: 17% of all incidents involved the property not being locked away or secured! Three vehicles were stolen with the keys still in the ignition!
More examples of such incidents: Entire plumbing stored in an unlocked garage, was stolen from a premises under construction; a building site was entered and unsecured power tools were stolen; entry was made to a house via an unlocked window, with white goods and a vehicle being stolen; a chainsaw was stolen from the back tray of a ute, and another from an unlocked shed. Please remember to lock valuables away and secure those buildings!
Neighbourhood Watch has the following Safety Advice for the holiday period:
Fake Delivery Messages – You may receive text or email messages claiming you have a parcel for pick-up or delivery. If you are the least bit suspicious, DO NOT click on any links. Move these messages into the “Junk” folder and then check the sender’s email address or the website url address to see where the message came from.
Safe package delivery – If you are expecting a delivery, avoid front-porch thieves by requesting signature confirmation. Or consider having your parcel held at a post office, or asking a neighbour to collect the parcel when it arrives and hold onto it for you.
Scams – Be careful of holiday scams. Scammers try to steal online shoppers’ identities, make bogus gift offers, or pose as a charity. Do not give out personal information such as credit card details, and never open emails or click on links from people you do not know.
Secure your devices – Make sure your devices are protected against malware and viruses by installing the latest anti-virus software and updates.
Home Security – If you have Christmas light cords running through a window or door, ensure they can be secured at night or when you leave the house. Always make sure your shed or garage doors are secured before you drive off.
Presents – Do not display your Christmas gifts near windows so they are visible from outside.
Social Media Posting – Avoid posting information about gifts from Santa on social media, and never advertise that you are going to be away from home, or that you actually are away. Thieves stalk social media to see who has the best loot worth stealing.
Our Facebook page now has over 1700 followers! Check it out regularly for the most recent updates, monthly crime reports and Police messages. REPORT any suspicious activity to the Police. In an emergency or when a crime is taking place, call 000. If a crime has already happened, call 131 444. For anonymous reporting call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Please take care of your families and neighbours so we may all enjoy a wonderful, safe Christmas this year!
Good Wishes for a wonderful Christmas from NNNW – Your connection to a safer community
