Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #533 - 28 December 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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27 December, from Ku-ring-gai command
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27 December, from Ku-ring-gai command: St Ives Showground Closed Hornsby hospital reporting 6 hour line up
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26 December, from Ku-ring-gai command: …. …. An Unregistered Bolt Action Rifle (found at grandads house on Christmas day)…..
New South Wales together with all other states and territories will be participating in an ongoing National Firearms Amnesty (amnesty) which commenced on 1 July 2021.
The aim of the amnesty is to reduce the number of unregistered firearms in Australia.
In New South Wales, the amnesty allows for:
Firearms or firearm related articles to be registered, supplied or surrendered to a participating firearm dealer without fear of prosecution.
Firearms or firearm related articles to be surrendered to a police station without fear of prosecution.
Prohibited weapons to be surrendered to a participating firearms dealer or police station without fear of prosecution.
A list of firearm dealers participating in the amnesty and a webpage to assist in locating your nearest police station are linked below. Ensure you contact the participating firearms dealer or your local police station, prior to attending the location with a firearm, firearm related article or prohibited weapon.
Before taking a firearm to a participating firearms dealer or a police station, make sure the firearm is unloaded and where possible, remove the bolt or other method to render the firearm safe. Place the firearm in a gun bag or wrap in a blanket. Ammunition can be taken at the same time as a firearm; however, it must be stored in a separate bag, box or container.
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26 December, from The Hills Police Area Command
Hills Detectives are investigating reports that Hot Crossed Buns are being sold on Boxing Day.
Please don’t ring station. It’s all in hand.
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24 December, from Ku-ring-gai command
Charges laid after teenage girl assaulted while orienteering - Thornliegh
A man has been charged over the alleged assault of a teenage girl who was orienteering in Sydney’s Lower North Shore earlier this month.
About 6.10pm on Tuesday 7 December 2021, a 16-year-old girl – who was orienteering in the Lane Cove National Park at Thornleigh – was allegedly grabbed on the arm and throat by an unknown man.
The girl was rendered unconscious and located a short time later by other runners in the orienteering group.
She sustained injuries to her head and neck and was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment. She has since been released.
Officers from Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command attended and conducted an extensive canvass of the area; however, no one was located.
Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to North West Metropolitan Police Transport Command arrested a 24-year-old old man at Parramatta Railway Station about 8am on Tuesday 14 December 2021.
He was taken to Parramatta Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentionally choke person with recklessness.
The man appeared at Parramatta Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Thursday 23 December 2021).
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24 December, from M1 Pacific Motorway NSW: A VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT  
SCHEDULED ROAD CLOSURE landing aircraft, M1 Kariong just past Wisemans Ferry Road. Southbound. The Southbound carriageway will be closed for approximately 15 mins between Wisemans Ferry Road and the Pacific Hwy overpass. This closure will take place sometime between 2am and 4am on the 25th December for the landing of Santa’s sleigh for his Central Coast deliveries. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time during this period. Reduce Speed. Allow extra travel time. CASA, Emergency service(s), & Transport for NSW are attending.
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24 December, from Ku-ring-gai command
Gordon Rd (Now Pacific Hwy) around 1905, taken near McIntyre Street. Source: Historical Photographs Australia
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23 December, from NSW Heaklth:  Face mask and QR check in updates.
The NSW Government have made adjustments to the pandemic settings as precautionary steps to maintain our safe and measured approach to COVID-19.
The following adjustments will come into effect:
• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including for hospitality staff and in offices, unless eating or drinking from 12.01am Friday, 24 December
• QR code check-ins will be compulsory, including for hospitality and retail from 12.01am Monday, 27 December 2021
• Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule indoors, with no density limit for outdoor settings from 12.01am Monday, 27 December 2021
All settings will remain in place until Thursday, 27 January 2022.
QR check-in requirements are a reminder that if you receive a notification you should get tested if you feel unwell. You should also get tested if directed by NSW Health or if you have symptoms.
Reduce mingling where you can including when eating and drinking, work from home where possible and hold events outside.
Rapid-Antigen Test kits will soon be made available for free across the State as an additional testing option and to allow those who need to get a PCR test to do so.
More info here.
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23 December, from Ku-ring-gai command:
 From Sunday 9 January 9pm to Wednesday 19 January 2022 5am, access to Fox valley Road from the Pacific Highway and access to Pacific Highway from Fox Valley Road will be temporarily closed for roadworks to help ease congestion and improve traffic flow. Fox Valley Road between Ada Avenue and the Pacific Highway will be resident access only.
 For further information call 1800 897 841 projects@wardcivil.com.au
For the latest traffic updates, call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or the Live Traffic NSW app.
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23 December, from NSW Road Safety - NSW GOV
Double demerits start at midnight tonight and continue until 11:59pm, Monday 3 January. NSW Police Force will target speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences this holiday period.
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23 December, from Ku-ring-gai command: CCTV REQUEST
Police are appealing for CCTV footage from residents in and around the Larchmont Avenue and Springdale Road East Killara area.
Between 1:45am and 2:30am yesterday, Wednesday 22 December 2021, a break and enter and an attempt break and enter occurred in these streets.
Please review your footage and if you see anything suspicious, either unusual vehicular movement or persons acting suspiciously (up to six persons of interest), please contact Hornsby Police on 9476 9799 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 and quote event number E87132678
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23 December, from Ku-ring-gai command
SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME THIS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
While you’re on holidays, we will be working to keep you and the community safe.
Help us to help you by taking a few little extra precautions.
* Let your neighbour know you’re going away
* Lock the windows and doors or your home
* Don’t leave a spare key hidden under the mat, in a pot plant or under a fake rock
* Lock any vehicles you have, even if parked in your garaged
* Ask a trusted neighbour to park their car in your driveway
* Ensure your CCTV system is working
* Keep your home looking lived in
* Have your letterbox emptied or divert your mail if away for longer periods
* Have someone take your bins out as usual
From all of us here at Kuring Gai Police Area Command, we wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.
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23 December, from Ku-ring-gai command
Hornsby COVID Clinics - post your wait times in comments.
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22 December, from NSW Road Safety - NSW GOV
Get road trip ready with this checklist:
- indicator, brake, number plate and fog lights are working
- tyres are properly inflated and aren't worn or cracked (including the spare)
- there are no warning lights on your dash
- exhaust has no visible smoke emissions
- there are no scratches, chips or cracks in your windscreen or mirrors
- wipers and washers are working
- engine oil and fluid levels are at the recommended level and there are no oil leaks where the car is parked
- seatbelts and child car seats are correctly fitted and adjusted
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21 December, from Ku-ring-gai command:
All I want for Christmas is an E-Bike, an electric scooter, skateboard and hoverboard.
But before you ride them on the roads, cycleways or foot paths, please know the rules in NSW
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Traffic Tuesday quiz from last week:
Answer: Not in NSW.
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24 December, Shared with permission from the Turramurra and Wahroonga Community group:
This might be a long shot but.. i lost a gold chain on (by assumption) Bobbin Head Rd last night. It was a gift from my grandmother so if anyone has found it please let me know  thank you.
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24 December, from Australian Communications and Media Authority
Frustrated by unwanted calls? If you think someone has broken telemarketing rules, you can make a complaint to ACMA.
When you add your landline or mobile number to the Do Not Call Register, telemarketers shouldn’t call you unless they have your permission or are exempt (like charities or researchers). Your number will stay on the register unless you request it be removed.
If you get a call that you think breaks the rules, you can report it. Make a complaint here or call 1300 792 958.
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24 December, from NSW Police Force
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate three men who are wanted over their alleged participation in organised criminal groups in Sydney’s south-west.
Masood Zakaria – aged 26 – has an arrest warrant for conspire and agree to murder any person, two counts of knowingly direct activities of criminal group, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, commercial drug supply, deal with proceeds of crime and contravene serious crime prevention order.
Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for John Bayssari – aged 30 – and Joseph Vokai – aged 25 – for criminal groups offences. Police also wish to speak with the men in relation to an alleged conspiracy to murder another man in Sydney’s north earlier this year.
For full story, click here.
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23 December, from NSW Health: Most people can manage COVID-19 at home, with some simple advice.
If you are under 50 years of age, have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, do not suffer from any chronic conditions and are not pregnant you can safely manage COVID-19 at home.
If you’ve got COVID-19 and are recovering at home, It’s important that you keep track of how you feel.
• Can I get my own food?
• Can I drink water?
• Can I go to the toilet normally?
• Can I take my regular medication?
• Can I stand up and walk around the room without feeling dizzy or lightheaded?
If the answer is no, call your GP or the NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line.
If you have a health emergency or are feeling breathless, have chest pain or feel faint please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
You are able to leave self-isolation 10 days after your positive test, as long as you have had no symptoms for 72 hours – you will receive a SMS with this information.
More here.
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23 December, from NSW Road Safety - NSW GOV
From 1 January 2022 all NSW electric, hybrid and hydrogen light vehicles must have safety labels attached to the front and rear number plates.
Dealers are required to securely attach these labels to new vehicles at registration and can order them from here.
Penalties apply for not having a label attached. To find out more, visit site here.
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23 December, from NSW Police Force
Investigators have released a COMFIT image of a man and are appealing for public assistance, as part of ongoing investigations into the sexual assault of a young girl more than 42 years ago.
Police were told the girl, then aged nine, was playing with friends in bushland off Randal Crescent and Richard Close, North Rocks, on the afternoon of Sunday 1 July 1979 before she was approached by a man who claimed to be a council ranger.
The man – described as being aged between 25 and 30 years old – took the girl away from her friends and further into the bushland where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Officers attached to The Hills Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation into the incident.
Despite extensive investigations by local police at the time and over the years, no one has been charged in relation to the assault.
As part of ongoing inquiries, investigators with assistance from the Facial Recognition Unit have now released an additional COMFIT image of a man who they believe may be able to assist with the investigation.
The man – as reconstructed by the victim’s description – is shown in the image as he would have appeared at the time, next to how police predict he would look now.
It is understood the man may have lived in the North Rocks area at the time of the incident but could have moved away since.
Detectives are urging anyone who may recognise the man depicted in the COMFIT image, or who has information about the incident, to come forward.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or visit website here. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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23 December, from NSW Police Force
A man has been charged over the alleged assault of a teenage girl who was orienteering in Sydney’s Lower North Shore earlier this month.
About 6.10pm on Tuesday 7 December 2021, a 16-year-old girl – who was orienteering in the Lane Cove National Park at Thornleigh – was allegedly grabbed on the arm and throat by an unknown man.
The girl was rendered unconscious and located a short time later by other runners in the orienteering group.
She sustained injuries to her head and neck and was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment. She has since been released.
Officers from Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command attended and conducted an extensive canvass of the area; however, no one was located.
Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to North West Metropolitan Police Transport Command arrested a 24-year-old old man at Parramatta Railway Station about 8am on Tuesday 14 December 2021.
He was taken to Parramatta Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentionally choke person with recklessness.
The man appeared at Parramatta Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Thursday 23 December 2021).
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22 December, Shared with permission from the Berowra Community group:
Last night our cat was attacked in our front yard and had his face mauled by a dog. It was around 8:40pm, two kids were walking the dog along Anembo road. I heard one of the kids shouting for help to the second kid however as soon as I made it out the front both kids ran away towards the park on Yallambee road. Unfortuantely our cat had to be put down due to the injuries sustained.
I really want to stress that if your kids don't have the strength to control a dog on a leash, then please have an adult walk with them. If an adult was with these kids last night regardless of the outcome, I would have at least been able to speak with them about what happened and understand that our cat was injured and had run off somewhere.
At the end of the day dogs and cats have their animal instincts and are bound to fight, no blame towards the poor kids, who I'm sure were scared and had their adrenaline pumping.
I just wanted to say that the owner has reached out to me and we have spoken over the phone. The owners were very apologetic and have offered to assist with the vet bills.
Also the kids and the dog are ok, only a few scratches on his nose!
It takes a lot of guts to reach out, especially when you have the choice to remain anonymous and for that I have a lot of respect for the owner.
It’s illegal for under 16s to walk a dog unless the (adult) owner is present.
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22 December, from NSW Fair Trading
Consumers are warned not to deal with Deluxe Products Pty Ltd trading as Luxo Living, a furniture and homewares retailer operating through the website and from retail premises located at 160 Newtown Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164.
Since 10 January 2020, Fair Trading has received complaints from 200 consumers dealing with Luxo Living. The majority of the complaints appear to be unresolved.
Anyone who has dealt with Luxo Living and is not satisfied with their interaction is urged to lodge a complaint with Fair Trading online or call 13 32 20 or visit their website here.
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22 December, from Neighbourhood Watch Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby Council Areas
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Dates for the Diary
Tuesday 08 February 2022: Safer Internet Day 2022 - Play it safe & fair online. Info.
Friday 24 March 2022: Ku-ring-gai Council's Everything for Seniors Day - crime prevention stall - TBC.
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22 December, from Australian Federal Police
As international borders begin to open, we're urging travellers to recognise signs of human trafficking.
Australian Federal Police investigators believe human traffickers have been waiting to take advantage of eased border restrictions and increased passenger numbers to ramp up attempts to move people against their will.
It's important for all of us to be aware of the warning signs and indicators of human trafficking, which is happening here in Australia.
This footage is an example of what human trafficking can look like.
 appears reluctant to travel; does not have a passport or another form of identity;
never or rarely leaves their house for non-work reasons;
is always in the presence of their employer or another person, who does not want or allow them to socialise with others.
The AFP is the lead Australian investigative agency for all forms of human trafficking but works closely will other Commonwealth, state and territory agencies to protect victims.
 Anyone with information about human trafficking should call 131 AFP (237).
Anyone at risk of harm should contact police on ‘000’.
For more information on human trafficking and the signs to look for visit the website here.
Watch video here.
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From NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby: 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Protect Your Identity'
Tip #1. Consider using a third party payment system for internet transactions, such as PayPal, in order to avoid entering credit card details. Consider having another credit card with a low credit limit to be used specifically for internet purchases, or for overseas.
Tip #4. Never share your PIN. Beware sharing the 3-4 digit Card Verification Value (CVV), usually on the back of a credit card. Immediately sign new cards. Check internet sites are secure for payment by looking on the address bar for the the padlock symbol, green background colour, or the ‘s’ in the ‘https’ prefix. Untick the box: ‘Keep these payment details on file’.
Tip #5. Encrypt and password protect all sensitive files. Consider encrypting your device. Use encrypted messaging systems (such as Signal). Consider using Virtual Private Networks (VPN). Forget wi-fi networks once used. Browse using ‘incognito’ mode, in order to stop the logging of browser history.
Tip #18. NEVER let your credit card out of your sight in a café or restaurant – go with it! Consider using Radio-frequency identification (RFID) protection (sleeves, wallets, bags etc) for credit cards and passports. If possible, collect new credit cards from the bank branch.
Tip #19. Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails/attachments – delete them. If unsure, verify the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use contact details provided in the message sent to you .
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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Thanks to Cop Humour Australia
Just had two police officers at my front door. They asked me, “Are you familiar with the letters HB?” I said, “No, I’m not.”
“How about LS?” they asked. I replied, “No.” Then they asked, “What about JD?”
I said, “Hang on a minute, am I a suspect or something?” They said, “No, these are just initial inquiries.”
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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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