Personal security advice heads this week's On the Beat section

Winter is coming.

The days of stormy and rainy weather coupled with the cold winds are nearly here.

To some criminals, their minds are not swayed by the wind and the biting cold. While you stay in, they stay out.

I have on a number of occasions advised the "On the Beat" readers in relation to home, car and personal security, and how to reduce the opportunity for the criminals to steal your cars, jewellery, cash, phones and credit cards - the list can be limitless.

Let's talk about money (my wife's favourite subject apart from shopping), we all like to have some money set aside for a rainy day.

We all want to get something that we really don't need - that special something that you've been dreaming about for years. We save for it.

Every pay you might take $20 and put it in your sock draw.

As long as your spouse or partner doesn't find out you could have a fair chunk of cash after a year or two or will you?

Having large amounts of cash in the home is not a good idea unless you live in Fort Knox.

One slip of the tongue about your money to the wrong person or an overheard conversation could cause a criminals' interest rate to rise on your money.

If your house gets broken into there is a fair bet that the criminals will target your sock draw, safes or any other place that you have hidden your funds.

How would you feel if one day you come home and the cash is gone?

You will have to start again. You cannot get the money back, you would be devastated. There's nothing wrong with keeping a small amount of money at home in a safe place, but when the amounts reach the $1000 mark, put it in a financial institution where it will be completely safe.

If you decide to keep large amounts of money in the home or shed, you should be prepared for the loss if it is stolen.

Also, be mindful that it is not always strangers that may steal from you if the opportunity arises.

That's it for this week's words of wisdom.

I'll have another On the Beat next week.

Also, remember that you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police or ringing Crime Stoppers.

Do not Drink and Drive.As always, in case of emergency, call (000).

For non emergencies contact Police Assistance Line on 131444 or your local police to provide anonymous information call crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For domestic and family violence information visit www.police.nsw.gov.auShoalhaven or Domestic Violence Officers on 44219666 or 44219665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

Don't forget. Cops are tops.