DEDICATED Volunteers in Policing are hitting the streets of Hervey Bay following what officers have called a recent spike in reported thefts.
Police say the ViPs will deliver crime prevention information to holidaymakers staying in the seaside town.
The project was launched this week and will see ViPs targeting holiday accommodation complexes, encouraging people to keep safe and lock up – even if staying on multi-level residential properties.
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Senior Constable Melanie Ryan said Hervey Bay has recorded a number of thefts in recent months.
“Unfortunately, over the past few months the Hervey Bay area has recorded a number of thefts from businesses, homes and holiday complexes whereby thieves are targeting unlocked outdoor items or accessing balcony doors to gain entry and steal property,” Snr Const Ryan said.
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“As part of the ongoing commitment from the Crime Prevention Unit, each and every holiday accommodation complex / apartment across the Hervey Bay Policing Division, commencing at Urangan through to Pialba and surrounds, will be attended by the ViPs over the coming weeks,” she said.
Information on personal safety and security, including security for multi-level residential properties, will be made available to all units and apartments.
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“Crime Prevention officers are asking managers and owners of the complexes to help the ViPs by working together to reduce crime,” Snr Const Ryan said.
According to online crime statistics, some 136 unlawful entries without violence (dwellings) were recorded in the Hervey Bay Policing District during the first five months of 2021.
Figures peaked in May, when 40 alleged incidents were reported to police.
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Some 55 stealing from dwellings incidents (excluding unlawful entry cases) were reported to police during the same five-month period.
Police say most break-ins in multi-level residential buildings and apartments are opportunistic, especially when there is evidence of a quick and easy entry and valuables are left visible and unsecured.
Click here to read more about multi-level residential security.
Note from the editor: Why was this story classified as good news?
I am sure this is a question that many people might ask after reading this article. Surely crime is not good news and does not represent an effort to break the negative news cycle. While this is valid comment, police and Volunteers in Policing are making an attempt to reduce crime in the area. Officers identified a problem and action is being taken to address it.