Crime Prevention in Hornsby & Ku-ring-gai

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Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby

eNewsletter #425 - 03 December 2019

This weekly eNewsletter is compiled by Neighbourhood Watch volunteers as a service for residents in Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby council areas. The eNewsletter is a new type of Neighbourhood Watch; utilising the available technology to keep people more connected and up-to-date with local crime and safety issues.

The eNewsletter includes a selection of posts from the Ku-ring-gai PAC Facebook page (also known as 'eyewatch'), primarily for those not familiar with Facebook. We add anything interesting from a Neighbourhood Watch point-of-view - this could be a local newspaper article, a roadwork warning, crime prevention tip(s), an upcoming Neighbourhood Watch meeting, Q&As from residents, or an item from an other Police command ("Crooks know no boundaries!").

🚓 Have you seen anything we should share with the community? Please email our NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby volunteers. We do value your contributions. Thank you for your support.
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2 December, from NSW Police Force

Mobile phone detection cameras are now in use! Find out more here.

2 December, from NSW Road Safety - NSW GOV

MotoCAP, a world-first safety rating system for motorcycle clothing has just won a prestigious Road Safety Award at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Award Ceremony in Monaco.

Find out how safe your riding gear is here.
Watch video here.

29 November, Kuring-gai Police Area Command’s - Week in Review:

A 20yo male from St Ives has entered three residential properties without permission between 9pm-10pm on Saturday 23/11. The male who was drug affected at the time has at one residence assaulted an occupant who confronted him. He was arrested and charged by police with Assault, Trespass and Aggravated break and enter. He has been given bail with a condition not to enter a number of streets in St Ives. He will appear at court next month.

A 44yo male from Randwick & a 34yo female from Preston who had been staying temporarily in the Hornsby area were seen entering a property in Asquith around 1pm on Monday 25/11. Police attended and they were located after attempting to evade police. Police searched the premises where they were staying and located prohibited drugs. They were both arrested and charged with Trespass and Possess prohibited drug with a further charge of Malicious damage for the male involved.

A 16yo male from Castle Hill was found to be in breach of his bail conditions by being out past his curfew on Thursday 28/11 when he was located by police at Westfield Hornsby . He was also wanted for three separate shoplifting offences from the last three weeks. He was subsequently charged with Breach of bail and Shoplifting. He is currently bail refused.

A 42yo male and female from Werrington were seen at Killara Railway Station going through numerous items of jewellery suspected to be stolen. A search of the male located a chisel and screwdriver in his pockets. A check revealed the male was wanted for a prior stealing and break & enter offence from September. He has been bail refused till early next year. The female was also arrested in relation to the same offences as well as for two outstanding warrants and has also been bail refused.

A 37yo male from Mount Kuring-Gai was stopped and spoken to at Westfield Hornsby after he was seen acting suspiciously in ALDI on Thursday 28/11. A search located stolen clothing in his possession. A check also revealed he was also wanted for a stealing from the previous day. He was charged with Larceny and GIC and has been given bail with conditions not to enter Westfield Hornsby.

28 November, Thank You!

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 050 HornsbyFire and Rescue NSW Station 037 GordonHornsby/Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire ServiceMt Kuring-gai Rural Fire BrigadeNSW SES Hornsby Unit Ku-Ring-Gai SES

27 November, from NSW Road Safety - NSW GOV

Fully licensed motorists can legally use their mobile phone under certain conditions. Find out more about the rules here.
Try these handy tips to help you avoid the temptation of illegally using your phone while driving.

26 November, from Ku-ring-gai Council
Storm damage in Dumaresq Street Gordon. Emergency services are in attendance and dealing with multiple calls for assistance - please be patient
View video here.

26 November, from Ku-ring-gai SES

The aftermath of the storm. We have already received 30 requests for assistance. If you require help, please call the SES on 132 500. For emergency assistance in life threatening emergencies call 000 immediately.

3 December, from Ausgrid: Restoration Update

RESTORATION UPDATE:
Crews have made good progress today restoring the final customers still without power following last week’s cyclone-like storm in Sydney.

As at 10pm only 200 customers are forecast to be still without power. Most of those are in small pockets around Pymble, Gordon, Forestville, Killarney Heights and other suburbs in Sydney’s north.

At the height of the storms 52,000 homes and businesses lost power. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our crews and help from other NSW networks power has now been safely restored to 51,800 of those customers.

This has been a huge undertaking and Ausgrid would like to thank customers for their ongoing understanding as we rebuild the network.

2 December, from Linda Stead, Education Writer: Teach kids to step away from drama, especially at school.

Adolescents are experimenting with who they are and what their social place in the world will be. So, they have a natural attraction to the social interactions of peers. They are especially attracted to drama. They are learning about power and social dynamics so of course they want to be part of what’s going on. They tend to pick a side; there is a powerful sense of belonging in picking a side.

We need to teach them the equal power of not getting involved. The power of the person who:
-Walks away
-Decides not to send that text
-Doesn’t comment on Snapchat
-Counts to 5 before responding
-Distracts others from a moment of meanness
-Chooses to turn on their empathy
-Includes instead of excludes

If kids could see that power. And if they could show the courage to step away...just imagine.

Image source unknown

2 December, from NSW Police Force

Police in the Northern, Southern and Western regions are disappointed people continue to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or illicit drugs, following this weekend’s Operation Chrome road blitz.

Operation Chrome was a two-day road safety enforcement campaign conducted in Western, Southern and Northern regions during Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November 2019.

The operation utilised police from all districts within each region, working alongside officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command to provide a coordinated effort to reducing rural road trauma.

Police targeted poor driving behaviours on rural roads - including speeding, drink and drug-driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and fatigue.

Across the three regions, police conducted more than 17,000 breath tests, with 270 charges and almost 700 traffic infringement notices issued.

Of note, about 11pm on Saturday 30 November 2019, officers stopped a silver Holden Captiva allegedly driving erratically along Blue Gum Road, Jesmond. Police spoke with the driver – a 31-year-old woman – who allegedly exited the car with an unrestrained infant in her arms. She underwent a roadside breath test and returned a positive reading. She was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where she underwent a secondary breath analysis which allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.164. She was charged with high-range PCA and issued a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 19 December 2019. The woman’s license was suspended.

On Saturday (30 November 2019) a 36-year-old woman from Cootamundra was allegedly detected driving under the influence of methylamphetamine twice in a six-hour period. She was issued a field court attendance notice to attend Cootamundra Local Court on 6 January 2020.

About 1.30am (Sunday 1 December 2019), a 22-year-old man was stopped on Hunter Street, Glen Innes for the purpose of a roadside breath test. He returned a positive reading and was taken to Glen Innes Police Station. He allegedly returned a breath analysis reading 0.203 and was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for high-range drink driving. The man’s license was suspended.

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM said Operation Chrome continues to strengthen police visibility and road safety awareness in regional NSW.

“People continue to not listen to our warnings and get behind the wheel when affected by alcohol and drugs. We will not hesitate to stop a vehicle if we think the driver’s behaviour puts everyone in the vehicle at risk, as well as others nearby,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

“Police will target those roads that lead to the major arterial routes across the state - the focus on rural roads will not end because Operation Chrome has.

"We are making state-wide preparations to be on the road in numbers heading into the festive season.”

NORTHERN
Speed infringements: 16
Breath tests: 6826
Total charges: 114
PCA charges: 55
Major crashes: 1
Fatalities: 1

SOUTHERN
Speed infringements: 29
Breath tests: 9169
Total charges: 137
PCA charges: 27
Major crashes: 2
Fatalities: 0

WESTERN
Speed infringements: 2
Breath tests: 1894
Total charges: 19
PCA charges: 15
Major crashes: 0
Fatalities: 0

1 December, from Ingrid Layton, Scam Watchdog Australia

Someone by the name of David Frederick with the email address of..
davimark8@gmail.com
Just tried to scam me for the purchase of an item I listed on Facebook Marketplace etc, by sending a fake PayPal Pending payment subject to posting the item to Miami USA first!
I checked my PayPal account directly and there was No pending payment plus there is no one by that email address!
I Googled his email address and he has done this before!
BEWARE!

Dates for the Diary:

Wednesday 04 December: 1pm - #1minuteofsilence4violence. Hornsby, Westfield Mall 9am to 3pm and Chatswood, The Concourse 10am to 3pm. Info here. Check your relationship. Take the quiz here.
Thursday 12 December: PCYC, 1 Park Ln, Waitara Driver Education Program, Safer Driver Course. 4:30pm-7:30pm Info & bookings here.

1 December, from NSW DPI Fisheries
Check out this short video for great tips on how to enjoy safe and responsible fishing at Sydney's wonderful wharves and piers!
Watch video here.

1 December, from NSW Police Force

Police have released CCTV images in an appeal for witnesses after the body of a woman was pulled from Sydney Harbour earlier this month.
About 7am on Tuesday 12 November 2019, emergency services were called to Campbells Cove at Circular Quay, after a body was seen in the water.

Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended and pulled the woman’s body from the water. Despite attempts by paramedics to resuscitate her, she was declared deceased.

The woman has since been identified as a 22-year-old student from China, who is described as being of Asian appearance, with black shoulder length hair. At the time she was wearing a red t-shirt, a denim jacket, black denim jeans, and black shoes.

The death is not being treated as suspicious; however, detectives from the Marine Area Command are conducting inquiries into circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

Investigators have now released CCTV images of two people seen on CCTV outside the Park Hyatt hotel at The Rocks about 11.40pm on Monday 11 November 2019, who may have seen the woman prior to her entering the water.

The man and woman depicted are both described as being of Caucasian appearance. The man is seen wearing black clothing. The woman has blonde hair and is seen wearing white pants, a pink top, and is carry a shoulder bag.

Any witnesses, or anyone who may know the identity of the people depicted, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or visit this website. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Watch video here.

30 November, NSW Police Force

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Concord West.

Qiuping YUAN (also known as ‘Apple’), aged 43, was last seen at a relative’s home address in
Russell Lea about 7am on Friday 1st November 2019.

Police hold concerns for the well-being of Qiuping.

Investigations to date would indicate Qiuping exited Central Railway Station, Sydney about 10am
on Friday 1st November 2019. Qiuping has not been sighted since.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Qiuping who is of Asian appearance, about
65-70kgs, 153 t0 158cm tall, dark hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a white and green shirt, dark pants, tan shoes and wearing a blue
‘Nike’ branded backpack.

Police urge anyone who sees Qiuping to contact Burwood Police Station on 02 9745 8499 or
Ashfield Police Station on 02 9797 4099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about Quiping’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800
333 000 or at this website

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW
Police social media pages.

30 November, from Westleigh Rural Fire Brigade
WOW 🤩 ❤️
We were blown away this afternoon to receive 27 hand-written letters from students at Hornsby South Public School, who wanted to thank our volunteers for their “incredible efforts so far this fire season.” We deeply appreciate being in your thoughts and were absolutely moved to receive your kind words!
NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers from across NSW have been battling bush fires for months now without respite.

Thank you to the Hornsby Advocate online Thursday 28 November 2019:

Street Watch [Page 09]

HORNSBY

A pair of shoes worth $220 were stolen from the Nike store in Westfield Hornsby on Tuesday, between 3pm and 3.10pm. There is CCTV from Westfield security. According to police reports, the thief tried on the shoes and fled the scene, leaving his original shoes in the shop. The shoes have been seized by police for examination.

HORNSBY

On Tuesday evening between 7.20pm and 8.25pm, an unknown person gained entry to a unit block on Sherbrook Rd and entered the front of the property and the garage. Once inside, the offender stole a suitcase and a case of red wine. While there was no CCTV, the victim’s sister told police she saw a female suspect. She’s been described as 40 to 45 years old with a slight build, dark hair pulled back, dark track pants and a jumper, carrying a black backpack. Police are investigating.

HORNSBY

Between 2.30pm and 3pm on Monday an unknown person stole a wallet from inside a handbag, placed in a trolley at Westfield Hornsby. The victim was looking at items on the shelf. Police reports reveal a total of $400 was stolen in cash. The offender also took credit cards and made $250 worth of fraudulent transactions. Investigations are ongoing.

NORMANHURST

At 5.50pm on Tuesday, a man stole an iPhone 11 Pro from a man at his home on Normanhurst Rd. Police say the victim had advertised the $2100 phone on Facebook Marketplace and had engaged in conversation with a man who claimed he was an interested buyer. The victim shared his address and a man came to collect it without paying. Police have warned the public to be vigilant and to not share residential addresses. If transactions are to be made, they urge people to set it up in a public place where there’s CCTV.

WAHROONGA

About 9.30pm on Saturday, a 49-year-old man from Castle Hill was driving southbound on Fox Valley Rd when he was stopped for a breath test. The result returned as positive and he was placed under arrest and taken to Gordon Police Station. The accused underwent a breath analysis which returned a reading of 0.051. In relation to his drinking the accused stated he consumed three glasses of red wine while consuming Chinese food. The accused was issued a traffic infringement notice for the offence of low range PCA.

HORNSBY

On November 22 between 1.30pm and 3.25pm an woman stole a number of items totalling $814 from Hornsby Officeworks, on George St. The person of interest stole a battery, headphones and two laptop docks and placed it into a large tan coloured handbag. It’s alleged she walked out of the store without making an attempt to pay for the items. The alleged theft was captured on CCTV. The woman is described as being of Asian heritage, aged between 20 and 25, 150cm-160cm tall with brown long hair.

THORNLEIGH

On November 20 at 9.20pm, police attended Kentwell Ave over reports of a vehicle on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. A man told police he heard his car alarm and saw the vehicle on fire. He managed to open the boot to salvage a lawn mower. The victim had burns to his hands but declined medical treatment. The car was uninsured. Police have labelled the fire as suspicious with investigations ongoing.

Hornsby Court House
A 52-year-old Wahroonga man appeared at Hornsby Court and was granted strict conditional bail after being arrested over an elaborate escape spanning more than 16 years.

In February 2003 it’s alleged he struck and killed an 81-year-old man who was crossing a road at Canley Vale.

He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving.

The accused allegedly failed to appear in court on October 2003 and officers were unable to find him. Recent inquiries led to his arrest at Karinya Pl, Wahroonga.

He’s set to appear at Liverpool Court on December 11.

30 November, from Mt Kuring-Gai Rural Fire Brigade

WOW....what a last few weeks we have had.
Yes, we may have been reasonably quiet on Facebook, but our members have been very active helping our community. Here's a snapshot of what we have been up to:
* During Oct/Nov, a number of our members went on Strike Teams to assist with the devastating bush fires in the Mid-North Coast & Northern NSW
* Our crew was one of the first on scene for the South Turramurra fires that occurred on the day of Catastrophic Fire Danger
* We conducted 2 "Get Ready" Pop Up's at the station during a time of extreme Fire Danger, to assist our community with their Bush Fire Survival Plans and any of the questions they posed.
* We spent 5 nights out at the Gospers Mountain fire (yes, the one we have all been watching for the past month to our NW) assisting with containment lines designed to keep that fire out of Hornsby!
* We attended a bushfire in Oxley Reserve, Mt Colah, caused by a lightning strike on Monday. This fire was contained pretty quickly, helped by 20mm of rain & some hail :)
* From Fires...straight into Storm Damage works. We spent the last 2 days chainsawing up trees that had blocked roads and driveways.

And...there's more bad fire weather on the horizon :(

A bit shout out to all our members families & Employers who have supported us so far this Fire Season. It may still have a long way to go.
Thanks to all the local residents who dropped off drinks & food items to help sustain our crews in the field. This is very much appreciated.
And a big thanks to Bite Me Bakehouse, who helped out our crew yesterday with their coffee fix !

30 November, fromSatKing Promax

“I love a Sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains. But I’ve gotta tell ya mate, I like it better when it rains. The countryside is dying and there’s just no end in site, and just to rub salt in the wounds, the bush has caught alight.
The landscape is on fire from Brisbane to the Gong
And everybody’s asking “where the hell did we go wrong?
But we can get through this one if we help each other out, take care of your neighbour , that’s what Aussies are about.
The rain is going to fall again , the good times will return. But living in Australia means at times it’s going to burn.
So if you need a helping hand, just give a mate a call. We’re all hear to help you out and catch you when you fall.
The RFS, the SES, the firey’s, and police, all put their lives upon the line to help to keep the peace.
So hats off to these hero’s and thanks for all you do
And I hope when this is over we can make it up to you!” - Troy Gerdes.

30 November, from Crime Stoppers NSW: CHILDREN AND FIRE FASCINATION

FACT: Parents have a vital role to play in educating their children about fire safety. This is to help ensure that they don't play with fire and potentially injure themselves or others.

FIRE FASCINATION SAFETY TIPS
🔥 Ensure that all adults in the household know and understand the latest fire safety tips, know how to use and maintain smoke alarms, fire blankets and fire extinguishers and how to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

🔥 Maintain adequate supervision of your children.

🔥 Trying to scare children about fire, or what will happen to them, can be counter productive. Remain calm and always be honest and reasonable to children in your response and approach to the issue.

🔥 Understand that receiving a minor burn from fire may not reduce a child's level of interest.

🔥 Be aware that children watch and copy behaviours so set a good example around the home in the way you use heaters, open fires and other heat sources.

🔥 Teach your children that fire is a tool, NOT a toy and may be useful when used safely and responsibly.

🔥 Encourage young children to tell an adult if they find matches or cigarette lighters and praise them for doing so.

🔥 Try channelling their energies towards more positive activities such as sport.

🔥 Smokers are more likely to have children that play with fire so consider quitting smoking to give your family the best chance of preventing the behaviour.

🔥 Any lighters and matches you need to keep should be kept secure, out of reach, under lock and key.

🔥 Watch for evidence of fire play such as burns on bedding or clothing, or lighters or matches in their pockets.

🔥 Ensure that your home has sufficient working smoke alarms and consider installing them in all bedrooms / sleeping areas for extra protection.

🔥 Everyone should know what to do if a fire occurs in their home. Take the time to learn about escape plans and remember to include your children in the discussion, planning and practice.

🔥 Teach children fire survival skills such as "Get Down Low and Go, Go, Go!"

🔥 Teach older children how to use matches and fire safely, and stress to them the importance of only lighting fires in the presence of adults.

If you have concerns about a child's fire fascination, in NSW dial 1800 600 700 or in the ACT dial 6207 9032.
For more information visit this site.

29 November, from Neighbourhood Watch - Galston, Glenorie, Arcadia, Dural - Rural Areas

Please be vigilant!!! It seems they are on the prowl again... If anyone has cctv footage around hakea or Hansen place from last night that will incriminate this person for trespassing/casing please forward to the police. 131444.

27 November, from Killara Rural Fire Brigade: Free Green Waste Collection

Jennifer Anderson - Mayor of Ku-ring-gai has announced that Ku-ring-gai Council will be offering free curb side green waste collection for storm affected residents.

Crews will be going around in regular intervals until Friday the 13th of December.

Killara RFS crews were out again today working with Ku-Ring-Gai SES assisting residents in removing trees from their homes, repairing roofs and opening roadways. Ausgrid crews are still hard at work to restore power to affected areas.

If you require assistance with storm damage call 132 500. If the matter is life threatening call 000 immediately.

—

Some conditions apply to the free collection service, which does not need to be pre-booked.

- vegetation must be placed on the nature strip without blocking vehicle or pedestrian access;
- Council staff and waste contractors will not enter private properties to remove vegetation;
- vegetation should be cut to a length of no more than 2.5m;
- vegetation must be as neatly stacked as possible with branches laid parallel to the kerb;
- only storm related vegetation will be removed and not general green waste or clippings.

The service will be available to the following suburbs:

2073 – Pymble and West Pymble
2072 – Gordon, East Gordon, West Gordon
2071 – Killara, East Killara, West Killara
2070 – Lindfield, East Lindfield, West Lindfield
2069 – Roseville, East Roseville, Roseville Chase

27 November, from Crime Stoppers NSW

Protect yourself against debit/credit card fraud.

PROTECT YOUR CARD
➡️ DON’T lose sight of your bank cards
➡️ INSIST the transaction be done in front of
you

PROTECT YOUR PIN
➡️ DON’T share your PIN with anyone
➡️ COVER your hand when entering your PIN
➡️ CHANGE your PIN regularly

PROTECT YOUR ACCOUNT
➡️ REQUEST registered mail or pick up from
the branch for replacement cards and PIN
information
➡️ SECURELY dispose of banking
information, bills and expired/unwanted
cards preferably by shredding all
documents
➡️ ALWAYS check your financial statements
against your purchases. If you see
something that doesn’t look right, contact
your financial institution immediately.

PROTECT YOUR CARD ONLINE
➡️ USE recommended electronic payment
enablers when buying online.
➡️ INSTALL and maintain anti-virus/anti-
malware software on your devices.

If you believe you have been a victim to a cyber related offence – report it immediately to www.acorn.gov.au

Consider visiting www.idcare.org who are Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud please contact the Police Assistance Line on 131444 (24) or attend your nearest police station.

27 November, from Ausgrid
Ausgrid Head of System Control Stuart Donaldson explains what crews are doing to restore power following yesterday's severe storms. There are more than 1,800 hazards on the network and hundreds of staff are involved in the response effort in Sydney. Power is still out for 24,000 homes and businesses in Sydney's north. Thanks for your patience.
Watch video here

27 November, from smh.com.au: Woman's body found inside a freezer in a Pymble apartment

The Homicide Squad is investigating after a woman's body was found inside a freezer in her Pymble unit on Wednesday, one day after her husband allegedly left the country.

Senior detectives say that the woman, who has not been formally identified but is believed to be the occupant of the North Shore apartment and aged in her 30s, had been dead for several days.

She had shared the apartment in the Bobbin Head Road building with her husband and the couple's two sons, aged four and six.

Sources said that neighbours had reported hearing a loud domestic dispute at the unit earlier this week.

The man is then believed to have left Australia for China on Tuesday, taking the children. The family's pet rabbits were also missing from the apartment.

A police officer with direct knowledge of the investigation told the Herald that an associate of the man made a call to police on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, police confirmed that there had been a "concern for welfare check" around 10am on Wednesday.

Neighbourhood Watch in Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby

eNewsletter #425 - 03 December 2019

Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby