I HAVE been the Shoalhaven Local Area Command’s crime prevention officer for the last three years and in that time I have learnt a lot in relation to the subject and I hope by reading multiple episodes of “On The Beat” you have learnt something as well.
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However, nobody knows it all and we should keep learning about crime prevention and then put that knowledge to the test every day.
That being said, while you are sitting at the table chewing on your vegemite and toast, ask yourself, “What is crime prevention?
If you go on Google you will find that Wikipedia says it is “the attempt to reduce and deter crime and criminals”.
I myself believe it to be something like “the act of reducing crime and deterring criminals.”
Attempt means that you will try, but rather than try wouldn’t it be better if we do?
Locking the doors of our vehicles for example, not only reduces the ability for the criminals to get into the vehicle, it also deters them from committing the crime.
If the vehicle is locked, the crook will have to make some noise breaking the window.
Having to do this would deter most crooks as they do not wish to be detected, however if the benefits outweigh the risks a crook will break a window.
If you have left a wallet or other valuable item in the vehicle, that can be seen from outside, it is a sight that some crooks can’t resist. Then they take the risk of being detected just to get at your credit cards and cash.
You can stop this crime (steal wallet from vehicle) by not leaving any valuable property in the vehicle.
If your cards have been stolen you will soon know what fraud means
If you are asleep while your cards have been stolen you may be in for a big surprise. The crooks may have gone shopping and used up to $1000 of your hard earned savings or your credit by way of the Pay Wave/Pass chip.
Imagine waking up and having multiple cards missing $1000 each, how would you be feeling about that.
I can tell you now, you wouldn’t be saying, “good morning sunshine”.
Then there is a broken car window that you also have to pay for.
This is a simple illustration to show that the single act of leaving your wallet in a locked car can snowball and be costly to you and the community.
This is why I keep going on about vehicle, house and personal security.
Please make this the year that we make an effort and actively practice crime prevention. Remember, you are the person responsible for securing and protecting your property.
As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.
Don’t forget, cops are tops.