School holidays are here, and we are reminding visitors to the Sunshine Coast and locals to keep their property safe and secure while enjoying this time with family and friends.
Remember that although you may be holidaying, criminals continue to work.
Also, our local roads will be busy during this holiday period and we are pleading with motorists to slow down, take their time and watch out for pedestrians.
Local police will continue their efforts in reducing road trauma by enforcing the fatal five: distraction and intention, drink and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelts and speeding.
It is important to take preventative measures to protect yourselves and your property.
Most property that is stolen is an opportunity type crime and popular items include cash, liquor, jewellery, mobile phones, cameras, fishing gear, portable BBQs, fridges and electrical equipment.
Be sure to secure your property, no matter where you are these holidays. Let’s work together to reduce property crime.
Below are a few tips to help keep your property safe:
- Check that all doors and windows for your car, boat, caravan or cabin are locked or secured including the annex of your van or tent.
- Try not to have valuables such as mobile phones, banks cards and money at the beach. If you do take valuables to the beach, do not leave them unattended.
- Leaving valuables on display may encourage opportunistic thieves to help themselves. Always keep your valuables out of sight.
- Use locking devices on tow bars and bikes.
- Get to know the people staying next to you and keep an eye on their property.
- Report any suspicious people or behaviour to the park management or to Police.
For more information about property crime prevention visit the QPS website.
This column is compiled by Acting Sergeant Sandy Atkinson of the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
