Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #523 - 19 October 2021
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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 our local police at 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 another 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 and thank you for your support.
🚓 Please feel free to share/forward this eNewsletter with your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.
🚓 Reading our eNewsletter for the first time? Click here to subscribe.
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19 October, from NSW Police Force
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19 October, from Sydney Trains
Wed 20 Oct, significant delays are expected on Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services due to planned industrial action. Trains will run to a reduced timetable and some services will be cancelled. Consider using alternative transport. For the latest information, visit transportnsw.info.
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15 October, from IDCARE: Just another twist to this scam. Do NOT click on the link or the scammers will COLLECT
 SCAM ALERT: BEWARE OF THE DANGEROUS (BUT VERY CLEVER) TWIST TO THE FLUBOT MALWARE SMS
Sick of receiving texts about "parcel delivery" that you know are a scam and could be linked to the FluBot malware?
Scammers are on to this! They've changed the messaging in the FluBot SMS from appearing to be a parcel delivery company to providing an option to "opt out".
IDCARE analysts have noted a new variant of the FluBot which is now contained in a link offering people an option to "stop receiving messages".
If you click on the link and you have an Android phone, you are at risk of downloading the malware. Once installed, FluBot can read through your contact data, SMS and device notifications and also requests control of devices!
REMEMBER THE TIP: Don't click on links in texts you don't recognise.
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15 October, from Ku-ring-gai command: A little piece of trivia for your weekend.
Question:
What does the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt and Governor Arthur Phillip have in common?
Answer:
Rembrandt created the famous, as it is commonly known ‘Night Watch’ painting in 1642 and Governor Arthur Phillip created the ‘Night Watch’ in 1789.
The NSW Police Force was first civilian police force in Australia and was known then as the ‘Night Watch’.
The ‘Night Watch’ were appointed by Governor Phillip. These men were drawn from the ranks of the best behaved of the convicts.
On 1st March 1862 all existing police forces amalgamated to become the NSW Police force.
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Please remember that if you see or hear something suspicious, report it to us as quickly as possible. It is often the timeliness of a report to us that gives us the best chance of catching the offender.
Ways of reporting to police:
“000” Triple Zero for emergency or life-threatening situations
“131444” Police Assistance Line (PAL) for non-emergencies
“1800 333 000” Crime Stoppers – to provide crime information
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15 October, from Ku-ring-gai Command: YOUR COMMAND - OUR WEEK IN REVIEW:
WELCOME:
We welcomed our three new officers to Kuring Gai Police Area Command
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENTS:
20 x Domestic violence incidents
5 x Domestic violence assaults
4 x breach AVO
ASSAULT:
1 x assault – McDonalds Waitara
AFFRAY:
1 x Affray – Killara
FRAUDS:
8 x fraud – Investment scam $55,000 stolen in Bitcoin, make fraud documents, $305 bank transfer, $300 electronic funds transfer x 2, $10,000 scam malware downloaded, $13,000 - caller claiming to be from NBN, $1,700 – Loan application fraud
BREAK AND ENTERS:
8 x break and enters
TRAFFIC:
2 x major vehicle collision – St Ives vehicle towed. Driver conveyed to hospital for superficial injuries to his hand and further assessment, Brooklyn – driver conveyed to hospital for treatment
2 x fail to stop collision and exchange details
1 x drive whilst suspended
1 x Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
STEALING:
3 x stealing
1 x bicycle stealing
DRUGS:
2 x RDT and possess prohibited drug
2 x drug possession – cannabis, cocaine
TRESPASS:
1 x trespass / malicious damage
INTOXICATION AND DISORDERLY MANNER:
1 x disorderly manner / refuse lawful direction by police officer Hornsby Railway Station
MALICIOUS DAMAGE:
4 x malicious damage
MOVE ON DIRECTIONS:
2 x campers moved on from Brooklyn (pitched camp in No Camping area)
5 x move on directions – intoxication and unruly behaviour – Hornsby Park
CAR FIRE:
1 x car fire – Normanhurst
SOME OF THE CHARGES THIS WEEK:
2 x Possess prohibited drug
Assault officer in execution of their duty
Offensive language – in public place / near school
Armed with intent to commit and indictable offense
Sexual intercourse without consent
3 x Contravene AVO
Destroy / damage property – DV related
Common assault
Drive under the influence of alcohol – second offense
Drive vehicle, illicit drug present in blood – second offense
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15 October, from Ku-ring-gai Command: PARCEL THEFT RISING WITH ONLINE SHOPPING HOME DELIVERIES
During lockdown there has been a sharp rise in shopping online, having our parcels delivered to our homes as we couldn’t get out and shop the more traditional way.
Unfortunately, thieves have taken advantage of the circumstances and we have seen a sharp rise in parcel theft throughout the Command (predominantly from the foyer areas of apartment/unit type living), where couriers drop the parcel off in the foyers of these buildings.
This type of offense is not limited to high-rise/apartment type residences. It occurs from standalone homes as well
Please be vigilant even though we are slowly coming out of lockdown and where possible, have someone home when your parcel is delivered or arrange for the parcel/s to be delivered to a location where someone you trust will be there to accept it.
Tracking your order delivery where possible gives you a general timeframe as to when your parcel will be delivered.
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15 October, from Ryde Command:
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15 October, from Hills Command: The Covid-19 Digital Certificate is here.
There may be some delay as Service NSW are doing some maintenance on their systems
You can now add your Vaccination Certificate to your Service NSW app!!
1)  Update your Service NSW app first
2) Download (or update) the Express Plus Medicare app
3) Sign in to Express Plus Medicare app using your MyGov account login
4) Select 'Proof of Vaccination'
5) Scroll down to select 'Share with Check-in App'
6) Select Service NSW
7) You will get a warning that you are leaving the Medicare app - click OK
8. Service NSW app will open
9) Click through the instructions
10) Swipe left at the top of the screen under 'Licences and Credentials' and you will find your COVID19 vaccination certificate.
NB - app may take some time as they’re performing maintenance
There is even a QR code so others can check the validity of your certificate!
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15 October, from Traffic & Highway Patrol command:
Officers from Kuring Gai Highway Patrol charge a 51 year old Broadbeach QLD man for driving whilst disqualified and disobeying heavy vehicle restrictions at Galston Gorge with further charges pending.
About 1:50pm on Wednesday 13th October 2021 a Kenworth B Double truck entered Galston Gorge at Hornsby Heights after disobeying 7 advisory signs on approach to the restricted road. The prime mover and A-trailer became wedged on a guard rail causing significant traffic delays. Police attended and observed a B-trailer parked on the side of a road within Galston Gorge as well as significant damage to a nearby centre guard rail.
Officers located the prime mover and spoke with the driver. He produced a Queensland heavy vehicle licence, but a check of his licence status found that it was endorsed as disqualified in New South Wales. The driver was subjected to a road side drug test which returned a positive indication. He was conveyed to a nearby RBT Bus where a secondary oral fluid test returned a positive indication for Cannabis and Methamphetamine.
The driver was charged with driving whilst disqualified and disobeying the no trucks sign on Galston Gorge. Further charges are pending his oral fluid analysis and potential fatigue related issues identified in the drivers work diary.
With the assistance of Transport for NSW, police closed the roadway in both directions between 4:45pm and 5:18pm while the B trailer was moved into a safe position for it to be towed from Galston Gorge.
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13 October, from Ku-ring-gai Command
SCHOOL ZONES IN OPERATION
SLOW DOWN AND SAVE OUR CHILDREN
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13 October, from Ku-ring-gai Command.
There has been an increase in bicycle thefts throughout the Command.
Please take time to secure your bicycle, even when at home
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13 October, from NSW Police Force: And they're at it again. Please heed the advice and hang up immediately.
Warning: people are receiving a recorded message claiming to be from Australian Border Force. It says there is an arrest warrant as they have picked up a parcel addressed to you with illegal contents. They ask you to dial 1. If you receive this call, hang up immediately, it’s a scam!
Information and image via Scamwatch
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13 October, from Ku-ring-gai command:
Safety tips for driving in the rain  
 Don’t drive through floodwaters for any reason. No matter what type of car you have, if you can’t see the roadway, don’t risk it.
Be aware of road conditions in your area and plan your trip accordingly. Check livetraffic.com, bom.gov.au, and ses.nsw.gov.au for the latest information.
Remember to give way at intersections where lights are out. Some intersections have backup signs, however, if they do not, always give way to your right.
Leave greater distances between you and the car in front because it takes longer to stop when its wet.
Drivers and motorcycle riders should use their headlights in heavy rain to be seen by other road users.
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18 October, from Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, Inc
Crooks don't want to be seen which is why they don't like light - especially a light that goes on suddenly. They can't be sure it isn't because they have been 'spotted'. Make a crook cranky. Install sensor lights.
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18 October, from Ku-ring-gai Council
Spring has sprung and trees and plants are having a growth spurt as a result. Just a reminder to keep your neighbourhood safe!
Watch video here.
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18 October, from NSW Police Force
A driver has died following a crash in Terrey Hills this morning.
About 3.15am (Monday 18 October 2021), emergency services were called to Mona Vale Road, near the intersection of Kamber Road, Terrey Hills, following reports a black Holden Astra had left the road and hit a pole.
The driver and sole occupant – a 19-year-old man – died at the scene.
Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene, that will be examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.
West bound lanes of Mona Vale Road remain closed with traffic diversions in place at Cooyoung Road.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and check www.livetraffic.com for updates.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam vision from the area, to come forward.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or visit site here. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
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18 October, from Crime Stoppers NSW: PROTECTING YOUR CHILD FROM UNWANTED CONTACT
Series: 4 of 4
What to do if my child experiences unwanted contact?
Your child might not tell you if an online friendship has become compromising or difficult because they may be embarrassed or ashamed or afraid it might make things worse.
Be alert to worrying changes in your child’s behaviour or mood. Watch for signs of withdrawal, anxiety, sadness or changed interactions with family and friends.
Stay calm and reassure your child they are not in trouble.
Collect evidence. Before you or your child block someone or delete posts or other material, take screenshots and collect evidence, including dates and times.
Grooming and procuring of children over the internet are crimes investigated by the police. If you have encountered this kind of activity online, contact your local police station.
If you have information on child predators call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24/7) or report here.
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17 October, from Neighbourhood Watch - Kllara
We were asked to share this. Maybe you can help?
Does anyone recognise this car and can tell me how to locate the owner? It looks like it is a Land Rover Discovery or similar.
There is something attached to the back of the car trailer that would have damaged many parked cars in its path including our two cars!
This particular incident occurred on Saturday 9 October 2021 at 1:15pm on Tryon Road Lindfield. 
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17 October, from NSW Government: This is what fully vaccinated people can do from Monday, 18 October 
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Dates for the Diary
Wednesday 24 November: Gordon/Killara/E. Killara/Pymble/St Ives NHW AGM online via MS Teams @ 7pm. Special guests: S/C Colin Mitchell, Crime Prevention Officer, Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command, and Ruby Koop - Snap Send Solve App. Email us for details. Everyone welcome.
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16 October, from Turramurra Neighbourhood Watch
SHARED FROM TURRAMURRA & WAHROONGA COMMUNITY FACEBOOK PAGE AS POSTED TODAY.
I live on Pacific Highway between Turuga and Kurigai Avenues in Turramurra.
I just had a prowler jump over my fence and approach my rear door, looking in my windows. Fortunately, my German Shepherd alerted me.
The man is black, was wearing all black and carried a satchel. He was about 194 cm tall and weighed perhaps 95 kg.
When I confronted him he was aggressive and did not want to leave. I had to go out in my yard with my dog threatening to release him on the man.
It's only when I got extra aggressive with the man that he jumped back over the fence and went down Pacific Highway to the Turramurra train station.
The police have been called and they are looking for the individual.
Scared the hell out of me.
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15 October,from Neighbourhood Watch - Wahroonga
Shared with permission from the Wahroonga Community group yesterday:
Car Key lost this morning in Wahroonga between the village and around junction road
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13 October, from cisa.gov: High Alert - Act Quickly 13 October 2021
Dear ACSC Alert Service subscriber
Background /What has happened?
A vulnerability (CVE-2021-30883) has been identified in certain versions of Apple iOS and iPadOS which could allow an actor to either trick a user to install malware via an app or perform other actions on a vulnerable device. This vulnerability affects a wide range of iPhone/iPad devices.
Mitigation / How do I stay secure?
Apple has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Owners of affected Apple products should apply the available security updates as soon as possible. Guidance on how to apply software updates to Apple products is available from the Apple security updates page here.
Assistance / Where can I go for help?
The ACSC is monitoring the situation and is able to provide assistance and advice as required. Organisations that have been impacted or require assistance can contact the ACSC via 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
Read this alert on the website: cyber.gov.au
Are you a victim of cybercrime? Visit ReportCyber to take your next steps.
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13 October, Shared from local group.
And in the comments:
This isn’t the original post, it’s from another group. But from the comments on it she’s said he was Asian appearance, 30-40 with a fringe.
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13 October, from NSW Police Force:
If only drivers stopped at traffic lights like they would stop for this 
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From NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby: 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses'
Tip #3. ENSURE YOUR STORE ROOM IS SECURE AT ALL TIMES. Again, thieves will
distract you and gain entry.
Tip #5. INSTALL GOOD QUALITY SECURITY LIGHTS AND/OR SENSOR LIGHTS AROUND
THE PERIMETER TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE ILLUMINATION AT NIGHT.
Tip #6. PHOTOGRAPH ALL GRAFFITI & VANDALISM. REPORT TO NSW GRAFFITI
HOTLINE 1800 707 125. REMOVE GRAFFITI PROMPTLY.
Tip #7. REGISTER ANY CAMERAS ON YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM WITH THE NSW
POLICE FORCE CCTV REGISTER (‘CAM-FIND’).
Tip #16. BEWARE OF ROGUE TRADESMEN/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES eg the man
checking fire extinguishers. BE VIGILANT. THIEVES DRESS TO FIT IN (smart
businessman, young tradie) Less-experienced employees need reminding.
Tip #17. DO REGULAR STOCK TAKES, EVEN HOURLY, IN ORDER TO NARROW THE
TIME FRAME OF A THEFT. This enables CCTV to be checked more
effectively.
For more tips and translations, look at our website 'Tips' page here. Or try our WatchOut! website here, for links to some great information available on the internet. Or request a copy in your inbox here.
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Day Shift Challenge!
Thanks to UK Cop Humour!
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IMPORTANT CONTACTS & LINKS
Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 000
TTY: 106
NSW Police - Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command (PAC): 9476 9799
Hornsby Police Station, 292 Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby 2077
Local Police Facebook page: @Kuring Gai PAC
Non-emergency two-way communication
Police Assistance Line (PAL): 131 444
For non-urgent minor crime (Only victims may report.)
NSW Police Community Portal
Online reporting of non-emergency minor crime: lost property, intentional damage, graffiti or theft.
Interpreting & Translating Services: 131 450
NSW Police - website for crime prevention advice
Never be afraid or embarrassed to report a crime, concern or fear you have to the Police. The Police are here to help you.
Crime Stoppers NSW: 1800 333 000
Report crime anonymously
Report suspicious activity ASAP
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No caps on personal services and hospitality
Up to 20 visitors to your home
Unlimited guests at a wedding or funeral
You must check in using the QR code
Asks a lot of questions about personal information soon after meeting
You must stop.
You can only go through if you cannot stop safely before the ‘Stop’ line. You should not stop suddenly, and you should not speed up.
You can go through the intersection if it’s safe to do so.
