Don’t give thieves a chance this Christmas

The government is reminding people to ensure that Santa is the only person who can get into their homes and cars this Christmas period.

Acting Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Andrew Powell said summer was the easiest time for thieves to enter homes through open doors and windows.

“No one wants to return home and discover their Christmas presents and other belongings have been taken by some opportunistic thief,” Mr Powell said.

“Marking all your property helps deter thieves and get property back into the right hands. Police stations and Neighborhood Watch groups all have engravers which can be borrowed for this purpose.

“When going on holidays or leaving the home or car, I urge all Queenslanders to lock up and be safe.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said that a number of break and enters occur in the warmer months when people have gained access to homes and holiday apartments through doors and windows that have been left open.

“We’re urging everyone to make sure your security screens, doors and windows are locked at all times, even when you are at home,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Small items such as cash, laptops, wallets and car keys are often left in plain view by the front door and are commonly targeted by thieves.

“Every residence has the potential to be a target of a break and enter and it’s up to householders to ensure their property is not at risk by making it as difficult as possible to break in and arranging for a family member or friend to check your property if you are going to be away for an extended period.”

For more information about property security, please visit www.police.qld.gov.au and follow the links to crime prevention.

Fake Telstra Scam

Police are warning members of the public to be vigilant following reports of a scam which has already claimed several victims in Queensland.

The scam operates in a similar way to the “Microsoft scam” where victims are called by a representative claiming to be from Microsoft who then asks for access to their computer or payment of a fee to have it repaired.

In the Telstra Scam, victims are called by a technical repair company claiming to be operating on behalf of Telstra. Again the caller requests access to the victim’s computer remotely to “repair” the fault.

According to Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group, the caller “overcharges” the victim then offers to refund the money to them and asks them to establish an online money transfer account which needs to be linked to a credit or debit card.

“Instead of refunding the money, they take money from the account. Telstra has received several complaints of this occurring in recent weeks,” Detective Superintendent Hay said.

Telstra will never contact you asking you to verify your personal details. If you feel you have been compromised it is imperative you contact your bank and credit card provider immediately.

To ensure you are not becoming a victim of fraud, it is essential you remain alert and to those who contact you requesting access to your computer or banking accounts or details.

For further information on how to stay safe, visit the Queensland Police Service website or http://www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Take care when on the road this Christmas

The Queensland Police service is reminding people to take care and pay attention when travelling over the Christmas break.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey reminded drivers to remember the Fatal Five when they got behind the wheel.

“The Queensland Police Service will be out in force over the Christmas period, targeting all road rules, but specifically the Fatal Five: drink driving, speeding, driving tired, not wearing a seatbelt and driving distracted,” Mr Dempsey said.

“This year 259 people have died on Queensland roads, a figure which is far too high.

“This Christmas we want everyone to arrive at their destination safely and we can all do our part by taking care when on the road.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said his officers would be out in force over the Christmas holiday period focusing on the Fatal Five.

“If you speed, drink drive, don’t pay attention, don’t wear a seatbelt or drive while tired you will not only be caught by police, but you risk your life and the life of every other road user – and that is just not acceptable,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Unfortunately some drivers take unnecessary risks when using Queensland roads – some of which end in disaster – whether this is serious injury or fatalities.

“The community’s safety is our priority and police will continue to target motorists who break the law.”

 

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart at the launch of the Christmas Road Safety Campaign

 

 

(Article and Photo Source: myPolice QPS News)

 

Don't become a crime statistic this Christmas

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets and other holiday Grinches.  Nothing can ruin the Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.  

Unfortunately burglars view the holiday season a little differently – for them, it is a time of opportunity to burglarize your home for cash, credit cards and gifts.  

Now is also a time of year during which many of us are busy with last minute shopping.  We must not forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to steal from. 

The following are a few strategies provided on the NHW blog (http://nhwq.org/) that will help you enjoy the festive season without incident.

 Protecting your home

§   Make sure windows and doors are locked

§  Have locks all keyed the same

§  If you have a security door, lock it by using the key when you are home.

§  Engrave your property

§  Keep trees and shrubs trimmed

§  Put away tools, gardening equipment and ladders, thieves may use these to gain access

§  Remember to lock garden sheds and garages

 Protecting your home when you are away

§   Use a timer to turn on lights, radio or television

§  Ask a neighbour to collect your newspapers and mail

§  Never leave a key hidden outside, leave it with a neighbour, family or friend

 Whilst doing your Christmas shopping

§   Bag and purse snatching is a common crime.  It can happen anywhere.  Stop the bag snatcher by always carrying your bag over your shoulder and tucked down the arm.  

§  To discourage purse-snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages.  Have our purchases delivered whenever practical.

§  Do not leave your bag in the shopping trolley.

§  Shop before dark if possible.  Coordinate shopping trips with friends.

§  Lock your parcels and gifts in your vehicle’s boot.

§  Keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed and ensure valuables are out of sight.

§  Have your keys readily available in your hand before you go to your car.

§  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

§  Pay for purchases with credit card, or debit card when possible

§   Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.  At this time of year “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.  

(Source: NHW Queensland Blog - NHW blog (http://nhwq.org)

 

 

 

Avoid charity scammers this Christmas

‘Tis the season of giving but don’t let your generosity be taken advantage of by charity scammers this Christmas.

It is the nature of Queenslanders to be there for others, to give to those who need it but unfortunately there are also people out there looking to make a quick buck under the guise of charity.

These scams not only cost you money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes.

The Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has warned that charity scams operate in a number of different ways so it is important to be able to identify the difference between a genuine charity and a scammer.

Generally, if you are approached on the street the scammer will not have any identification, will put pressure on you to donate and won’t give you a receipt.

If it is an online charity scam, it usually operates via a fake website which is likely to be a very close replica to a legitimate charity site.

The Attorney-General encourages all Queenslanders to continue to give this season, but make sure the charity is the real deal.

Some tips to help protect yourself from scammers include:

·         Approach charity organisations directly

·         Only give out your personal, credit card or online account details when you initiate contact

·         Ask to see identification if you are approached

·         Check whether a charity or appeal has authorisation by conducting a free search on the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

·         Delete any suspicious emails

·         Contact your bank or financial institution immediately if you think you have provided your account details to a scammer

Any organisation that wishes to publicly fundraise in Queensland must be registered as a charity or sanctioned community purpose organisation.

You can check whether a charity or appeal has authorisation by conducting a free search on the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

For more information on charities and appeals click here or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

 

Break and enter offences drop in Brisbane region

A bit of good news from the Queensland Police, who have advised that break and enter offences have been reduced by more than 900 offences, when comparing 1 July to 30 November to the same time period last year.

Brisbane Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Allan McCarthy said the reduction by 974 unlawful entry offences was a combined effort of the community and targeted police patrols.

“Residents throughout the community have been paying attention to our crime prevention messages and ensuring they keep their doors and windows locked, even while at home, keeping a look out for strange behaviour in their street and reporting it to police,” Acting Assistant Commissioner McCarthy said.

“With information received by the community we are able to set up targeted operations in certain areas and catch offenders. Our officers have worked very hard on a range of key strategies that have made a real impact in the past six months, resulting in a significant number of arrests and the recovery of quite a lot of stolen property.

“Their ongoing efforts are a contributing factor to this positive result.”

Along with the reduction in break and enter offences there has also been a reduction in stolen vehicle offences.

“Active patrols in the area and security measures by owners, has helped reduce the rate of Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicles,” Assistant Commissioner McCarthy said.

However, it is of course important that we always remain vigilant and ensure they keep taking appropriate security precautions. This is particularly important if people are going to be away over the Christmas holiday.

We can all work together reduce crime and make our community safer.

Visit www.police.qld.gov.au for crime prevention and security tips.

Free fitting of one way screws on 14 December

Our friends at Aspley Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Inc have advised that they have combined with the QPS Crime Prevention Unit and Aspley Hornets Club to conduct the following Event.

OPERATION NUMBER PLATE SECURITY
THE SECURING OF YOUR NUMBER PLATES BY FITTING ONE WAY SCREWS          

You are invited to have your Number Plates Secured with ONE WAY SCREWS for "FREE"

WHERE: ASPLEY HORNETS CLUB CAR PARK - 50 Graham Road Carseldine.

WHEN:   Saturday 14th December 

TIME:      9.00 am to 11.00 am

Lollies, Balloons, a Lucky Dip for the Kids and you can buy some tickets in their Christmas Hampers. 

Please note fitting has to close at 11.00 am sharp so don’t be late if you wish to take advantage of this offer.