Last week I met with Chief Inspector Brendan Bernie of the Hume Police District as part of the council’s Wingecarribee Community Safety Committee.
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This committee meets on a regular basis to discuss local policing issues, community concerns and safety initiatives. Members include our local Members of Parliament, community representatives, business stakeholders, police and staff of council.
It was most encouraging to hear Chief Inspector Bernie speak about recent reductions in property crime offences.
One of the highlights from a report compiled by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reveals a 20 percent reduction in property offences across the shire over the past two years.
Other key figures include a reduction in the number of incidents of break and enter by 28 percent, theft from motor vehicles and retail stores were down by 32 percent and 41 percent respectively and theft from residential dwellings was down 47 percent.
Of course, just one act of crime including theft of property is one too many and the overriding message for readers is to remain vigilant.
The warning to remain on guard comes on the back of recent reports of fraudsters targeting unsuspecting locals in a scam to pay for alleged outstanding bills using the details from Apple iTunes gift cards. Police remind residents to never purchase gift cards for the purpose of providing the code details for bills. Scammers have no qualm in duping anyone out of their hard-earned money and often target the elderly or vulnerable.
The reduction in the reports of local property crime however is not a result of coincidence and I congratulate our local police for their fine work, persistence and commitment to reducing all incidents of crime.
Remember that all non-urgent calls for police assistance including incidents of lost property, theft and graffiti can be reported via the NSW Police Force Community Portal online at www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_portal/home or phone 131 444.
To report any emergencies requiring police, ambulance or fire personnel always call 000.