I am going on leave and I will not be back for a month.

I know you must all be worried about the news, please don't do anything silly.

I will be back, just like the terminator.

In the meantime, you will get to read some of my previous Pulitzer worthy episodes that are oldies but goodies and still contain a current crime prevention message.

Holidays are great, I'm not planning on going anywhere on my holidays.

If I was, I certainly would not be advertising the fact.

If I was going somewhere, I would have a friend or a trusted neighbor to get the mail, so it doesn't pile up in the letterbox.

I would cancel the newspaper for the duration of my sabbatical.

Please, while I am away, keep on with your target hardening, lock your house and car doors, remove your valuables first.

Don't let unknown persons into your homes, if they look suspicious, call the police.

Don't let scammers into your lives - Make sure the web sites you visit are fair dinkum and google Scam Watch to check out the latest in scams.

Don't buy puppies or cars without being certain of the sellers bona fides.

Take an active role in crime prevention.

Discuss crime prevention, target hardening, situational awareness and scams with your elderly friends and relatives.

Help them to be aware of the problems that can occur.

Remember the elderly are especially vulnerable and most commonly the target of scams.

Remember 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 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.

Read more: Crime/Court