Local Crime Stats – January 2013

There were no reported offences for the Carseldine 6 NHW area for January 2013.

However, it is important that we continue to be alert and take precautions for the security of ourselves, our homes and places of work.

Offences were reported in a number of other Carseldine Division HHW areas in January, including:

Bridgeman Rd Carseldine –entry to dwelling via an insecure door. Once inside, offender has removed vehicle keys and then used the stolen keys to gain access to vehicle and driven it away.

Mugara St Chermside West – entry to vehicle parked in driveway via unlocked doors. Offender has used keys that were left in the vehicle to drive away.

McCallum St Carseldine – entry by climbing through an unsecured window. Property including electronic equipment and cash removed.

Police have advised that quite a number of “break and enters” and just “enters” as no break-in was required since the offenders were able to gain access through unlocked doors and windows. It is important to always keep premises secured, even when home.

Police also report that with modern technology making cars more difficult to break in to, a number of break-ins are targeting car keys which they then use to steal cars. TIP: Keep car keys hidden rather than leaving them on a peg or the kitchen table.

Our newsletter, distributed to each household in our NHW area every three months (just prior to each update meeting) contains plenty of useful security hints and we will also be posting useful tips regularly on this blog.

If you haven’t been receiving our newsletter, please let us know by emailing carseldine6NHW@gmail.com

Flashing school speed zone signs

The media this week contained news about the latest round of schools to have flashing speed light signs to be installed.

These signs generally include a red circle of LED lights around the “40” speed limit and flashing amber lights on top, making them very visible and ensuring motorists are aware that they are entering a school speed zone.

Example of flashing school speed zone sign

2 amber lights at the top flash on and off

Red circle around the "40" is a series of LED red lights

Your NHW Committee has been seeking to have these installed outside Craigslea State School for quite some time. Unfortunately, Craigslea isn’t listed in the latest round and so we will continue pushing for this.

We will be writing to the State Member for Aspley Tracy Davis as the school is in her electorate as well as the State Member for our electorate of Stafford, Dr Chris Davis.

Our local Councillor, Fiona King has told us she is also lobbying to have these signs installed.

In the meantime, it is vitally important that motorists remember to slow down when travelling through the school speed zone as children can be very unpredictable.

Reducing your speed limit significantly reduces the distance it takes if you need to stop suddenly and can prevent crashes from occurring. Speeding through the school zone during the relevant times can also result in a significant fine.

Suburban Businesses Crime Prevention Grants

The Brisbane City Council’s Suburban Businesses Crime Prevention Grant Program provides funds to suburban businesses for projects or services that will help deter crime and improve community safety in their local suburb and community.

Funding amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Council is hosting free information sessions for prospective applicants to the Suburban Business Crime Prevention Grants Program at a number of locations. The closest ones to our area will be held as follows: 

• Chermside Library, Tuesday 5 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm
• Ashgrove Library, Tuesday 12 March, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Guidelines and application forms are available by clicking here.

Closing Date for applications is 25 March 2013

Scam Watch - Beware of NDIS scam

The latest issue of the National Seniors newsletter advises that people are being warned to report scammers who claim to work for the government and then try to ask people to pay an administration fee to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS is a scheme which aims to give lifelong care to Australia's permanently disabled.

It is not currently operating in Queensland but scammers may still try to target people who may not be aware of this. The NDIS is launching in locations in South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, the Hunter area of NSW and the Barwon area of Victoria from July and Federal Minister Jenny Macklin has advised that no one would be asked to pay to take part in the scheme.

The Minister has advised that people should be very wary of anyone asking for payments for government services, including the NDIS.

Information about common scams is available on the Office of Fair Trading website at http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/common-consumer-scams.htm

If you think you’ve spotted a scam, you can let the Office of Fair Trading know about it by clicking here and completing their online form.

Your report can help put a stop to the scam and stop others from being caught out.

If you have been the victim of a scam, you can make a formal complaint to the Office of Fair Trading by clicking here.

Watch for people on bikes acting suspiciously

A resident at our recent NHW Update meeting described two boys on bicycles acting suspiciously.

Another resident has now advised that a neighbour recently had their daughter’s bike stolen from a garage.

While young people may be riding bikes around for a bit of fun, be aware that they could also have other purposes in mind. For example, they could be checking whether residents are at home, looking for open windows or open garage doors and so on.

It is worth keeping an eye on people riding bikes around the neighbourhood, particularly if they seem to be acting in an unusual manner. For example, do they seem to be circling around a particular house or appear to be keeping watch on it? Are they riding up people’s driveways?

Suspicious activity can be reported to the police on the Policelink number 131 444. If you witness a crime in progress call 000.

Dog Squad Up Close - A "Behind the Crime" presentation

For those who enjoyed the talk by our special guest Grant "the Pawman" at our meeting last November, or those who missed it but would like to find out more about the police dogs, there will be a special presentation by the police dog squad at a "Behind the Crime" presentation on Friday 8 March at Brisbane Girl's Grammar School Gehrmann Theatre, Gregory Terrace at 7.00 pm.

"Behind the Crime" is an initiative of the Queensland Police Service and Community Supporting Police Inc.

The presentation is "Dog Squad Up Close" and will feature two police handler/dog teams. Cost is $25 ($20 for student/concession).

From NHWQ State Office – Queensland Flood Appeal 2013

Red Cross in partnership with the Queensland Government has established the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 to provide assistance to individuals, families and communities directly affected by the floods, tornados and storm damage.

Funds raised through the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 will be used to assist individuals, families and communities directly affected by theQueenslandfloods in January 2013.

Australian Red Cross will not deduct any funds from public donations for appeal or administration costs. Should the funds raised exceed the amount required, Australian Red Cross will use any excess funds to assist in future disasters inAustralia. All interest earned on donations will be invested back into the Appeal.

The funds raised will be distributed through an independent committee which will involve community input.

Generally, Red Cross is not set up to take donations through their retail stores.

Australian Red Cross can only accept financial contributions as part of this Appeal. Red Cross is not in a position to accept donated goods or distribute them to affected people.

For details, please visit the Red Cross website at http://redcross.org.au/qld-floods-2013.aspx or phone 1800 811 700.

Next NHW Update meeting Thursday 7 Feb

The next Carseldine 6 NHW Update meeting will be held on Thursday 7th of February at the Craigslea State School P&C Building at 7.30 pm.

The P&C building is situated at the rear of the school.

Car parking - please use the western car park near the swimming pool. You can then walk through the covered play area to the last building on the left.

Supper will be provided.

We hope to see you there.