Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #534 - 04 January 2022
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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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04 January, from Ku-ring-gai command: Which car can legally turn right?
Answer hopefully next week.
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03 January, from Ku-ring-gai command: Hills Police are investigating the attempted Break & Enter and Steal from Motor vehicles from Carlingford on the 22 November 2021
Police would like to speak to the male depicted in the photo below who may be able to assist with enquiries. E 84484304.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
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31 December, from NSW Police Force: Police are appealing for information following a sexual touching in Sydney’s Upper North Shore last week.
About 12.30am on Friday 24 December 2021, a 19-year-old woman was walking along the Ku-Ring-gai Avenue at Turramurra, when an unknown man grabbed her from behind and pulled her backwards and onto the ground before sexually touching her. The man ran from the scene and was last seen running south on the Pacific Highway towards Warragul Road. Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
As part of ongoing inquiries, police have released an image of a man who appears to be following the woman on the Pacific Highway shortly before the assault, who may be able to assist with their inquiries. He’s described as being of medium height and build, with dark hair. At the time, he was wearing a black and white checked long-sleeve shirt, light-coloured shorts, black shoes and a black beanie.
Anyone who may have seen the man, or has information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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31 December, from Ku-ring-gai command: To reduce the strain on Health Services and better protect the NSW community, prioritisation will be given to people getting a PCR test (nose and throat swab) who:
- • Have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive rapid antigen test
- • Are a household contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive case
- • Have been in a venue where there has been high transmission such as a club
- • Have been in a setting with vulnerable people, such as an aged care facility, which is experiencing a current outbreak
If you receive a case alert in the Service NSW app, you should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms but only go and get a PCR test if symptoms develop. More info: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20211229_01.aspx
All testing sites can be found at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx.
Open & Closing Times are website above.
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29 December, from Ku-ring-gai command:  Know the right number to call
Please remember to always save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.
You can report certain crime that has already occurred via our online community portal https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/s/login/ or by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 (24/7).
You can report information about Public Health Order breaches and other crime information online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24/7).
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29 December, from Ku-ring-gai command: …. …. Four .44 Magnums…. Three Crossbows…. Two .22’s and an
Unregistered Bolt Action Rifle (found at grand dads house on Christmas day)…..
Amnesty applies to prohibited weapons. Not just firearms.
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. (And will continue past The Twelve Days of Christmas ) The aim of the amnesty is to reduce the number of unregistered firearms in Australia.
Full Media Release here.
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28 December, from Ku-ring-gai command: Question from last week's eNewsletter
Question: Is it illegal to ride a bike with no hands on the handlebars?
Answer: Must have at least one hand on handle bar at all times
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Thursday 13 January: 'All Areas' Neighbourhood Watch meeting for all groups and volunteers in the command. 6pm via MS Teams.
NB: The decision has been made to not hold this scheduled meeting as a Face-to-face meeting @ the PCYC. An email will go out to all those on the distribution list giving a link to a MS Teams (similar to Zoom) meeting with a copy of the agenda. New volunteers welcome! We will be joined by our local Crime Prevention Officer at Hornsby police station, Snr Cst Colin Mitchell, who will give us an update on the crime situation within the Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command and how we can best protect ourselves.
Email here for a meeting link and more info.
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04 January, from Crime Stoppers NSW: SUMMER VACATION SAFETY CHECKLIST!
 Check that everything is locked and secured before leaving. Lock ALL windows, doors, garden shed, gates, garages and any other areas of your home that can be secured.- Ask a friend or neighbour to park in your driveway.
- Ask trusted friends or neighbours to clear your mailbox and check on your home occasionally while you are away; advise them of where you can be contacted.
- Make sure that the lawn does not become overgrown.
- Stop all deliveries that you are expecting.
- Ensure your phone message doesn’t state that you are away on holidays as this may give thieves the information that they desire.
- Pay essential services bills in advance: electricity, gas, water, telephone so that your supply continues while you’re away.
- If valuable items are left in the home ensure that your Property Inventory is up-to-date.
- Lock the electricity meter box to prevent thieves interfering with your power supply or security lighting (contact your local electricity provider for more information).
- Check with your local police station to see if they offer patrol services for unattended residences during holiday season.
- When packing for a holiday, avoid packing your vehicle the night before as it will become an attractive target for a thief.
To prepare your home over the holiday period watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dnZzVJgQhE
If you have information that can help police solve a crime in relation to Break and Enters, please report online at www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24/7).
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴.
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03 January, from NSW Food Authority: Recall: Detox Tea with added Probiotics (20 Tea Bags) 30g
The NSW Food Authority advises:
Nerada Tea Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Detox Tea with added Probiotics (20 Tea Bags) 30g. The product has been available for sale online and at independent grocery stores including IGA nationally.
Product details: Detox Tea with added Probiotics (20 Tea Bags) 30g
Date markings: Best before: 04/11/22, 29/03/23, 01/06/23
Problem: The recall is due to microbial contamination (Salmonella).
Full information here.
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03 January, Shared with permission from the Turramurra and Wahroonga Community group yesterday (Sunday):
My New Year drama! A robbery has been attempted on me. Thank you for Hornsby police and the community for helping me. Especially the two witness’. I was parked in the half an hour parking in Hornsby at the fountain when what I can only assume a drug addict swung open my passenger door and attempted to steal my mobile. He had an aerosol spray that was aimed at me. I fled and he pursued. Two witness’s came to my aid and started to take pictures. The Hornsby police was very quick to respond. He was apprehended half an hour after the incident. I am grateful to come out unscathed but a little bit frightened. This comes as a warning to always be aware of your surroundings and to always support one another out there. Especially in these desperate times.
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31 December, from NSW Police Force: Can you help police identify and locate these two men?
Brisbane Water detectives believe the men can assist with an investigation into the armed robbery of a service station at West Gosford earlier this week. About 1.30am on Wednesday (29 December 2021), two men – with their faces covered and one armed with a knife – entered the service station on the Central Coast Highway, West Gosford. They jumped the counter and threatened the 26-year-old service station attendant with a knife before stealing cash and cigarettes. Police have been told the pair punched the man several times before running out of the store and were seen heading north towards Young Street. The attendant was not physically injured. Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District attended a short time later and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Detectives from Brisbane Water Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As part of their inquiries, detectives have released CCTV of two men who they believe may be able to assist with inquiries. Both men are described as being aged in their early 20s, about 180cm tall, with a slim build. They are depicted wearing hoods, gloves and ski masks.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Brisbane Water Police on (02) 4323 5511 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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From the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Post December 2021 (page 20 online edition): New law for keeping pets in apartments [by Cecilia Castle, Castle Lawyers at Asquith]
PET ownership is on the rise due to Covid lockdowns, and so is apartment living due to the relentless increase in property prices. A recent NSW Supreme Court of Appeal decision now makes it easier for property owners to take their kitty or pooch into strata apartment living. The Court ruled that any strata corporations’ blanket ban on keeping pets is “harsh, unconscionable or oppressive.” The ruling led to an amendment of the current legislation that better defines the grounds on which strata schemes may be able to prohibit a pet. While owners should disclose that they are keeping a pet, Owners Corporations can now only prohibit owner occupiers from keeping pets if the animal causes persistent problems by making a noise, damaging common property, running at or menacing people, or through infestation or infection. The reasons do not include being allergic to a neighbour’s pet. Regrettably, the new regulation still leaves tenants with pets in an uncertain predicament, as landlords are not obliged by law to agree to rent their properties to tenants with pets. This is because Residential Tenancy Agreements can still include conditions that prohibit pets in the property being rented. The only exception is for assistance animals such as blind dogs. Pending further reforms allowing residential tenants in strata properties to live with their pets, it is advisable to negotiate being able to keep pets in rented properties before signing a lease.
View the online edition here:
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From the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Post December 2021 (page 13 online edition): New fines introduced for owners of cars, boat trailers and caravans left in public spaces unattended
DO you park your car, boat or caravan on the road with out a licence plate? If so, you may want to read this story as things are about to change and you could soon be fined. Owners of unattended boat trailers on public roads will face harsh penalties if they do not take quick action to remove them, under strict new laws passed by Parliament. Under the new rules, owners of unregistered vehicles including cars, boat trailers, and caravans left in public places will face an on-the-spot fine of $660, a court penalty of up to $2,750, and/or have their vehicle impounded. Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the new rules mean our roads will be safer to navigate and open up much needed parking spaces. “This is welcome news for our local community as I hear from many that boat trailers take up valuable space on our roads which impacts parking for locals and visitors alike,” Ms Wilson said. “We are sending a clear message to the owners of boat trailers left unattended on our roads and putting the onus on them to manage their trailers - or they will face harsh penalties. The new rules will enable authorised officers including councils to issue removal notices and penalty infringement notices for cars and trailers on public roads 15 days after the registration lapses.
View the online edition here:
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Dates for the Diary
Thursday 13 January: 'All Areas' Neighbourhood Watch meeting for all groups and volunteers in the command. 6pm via MS Teams. NB: No longer Face-to-face @ the PCYC. New volunteers welcome! We will be joined by our local Crime Prevention Officer at Hornsby police station, Snr Cst Colin Mitchell. Email us here for more info.
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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A reminder that BushCare sites are NOT there for dogs to have a good roam and to "play with the lizards".
Big fines apply - see the attached image from council. “A dog that rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal, whether or not any injury is caused, has committed a dog attack.” The fine for a dog attack is $1,320. So reading that definition, "playing with the lizards" is actually a dog attack.
Please read more at the Ku-ring-gai Council website here.
Companion Animal Act
Under the companion animal act dogs must be on leash while in public unless in an off leash area or a private residence.
"Public place" means:
- (a) any pathway, road, bridge, jetty, wharf, road-ferry, RESERVE, park, beach or garden, and
- (b) any other place, that the public are entitled to use.
The public are entitled to use fire trails and bush tracks, therefore dogs must be leashed and under control.
There are designated off-leash dog areas. Find your nearest using the map on this page.
Equivalent information can be found on the Hornsby Shire Council website, Bushland Tracks & Trails here and Pets Responsibilities and FAQs here.
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28 December, from Neighbourhood Watch St Ives: Shared with permission from the St Ives Community group yesterday
Long shot but if anyone happened to see the car that reversed into mine outside the park on Putarri Avenue this afternoon some time between 2.30pm and 4.00pm, please let me know. I vaguely recall it being a white ute but I can't be sure. Great way to wrap up 2021 
EDIT: See new pic of ute. Does anyone recognise this vehicle? Thank you to the very kind person who sent it to me 
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28 December, from NSW Police Force: Wonderful news! An elderly woman missing from Sydney’s Upper North Shore has been located safe and well.
The 71-year-old woman was last seen at East Lindfield just before midnight yesterday (Monday 27 December 2021).
She was reported missing to officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command after she was unable to be located about 5am today (Tuesday 28 December 2021). Following a public appeal for information, and an SMS geo-targeting alert, the woman was located safe and well at Chatswood about 9am today. Police wish to the thank the media and the community for their assistance.
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From NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby: 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Letterboxes'
Tip #1. DO KEEP YOUR LETTERBOX LOCKED. Remember, a lock is not a lock unless you use it. Consider using a ‘Tubular Pin Tumbler Lock’ which cannot be copied.
Tip #5. DO BE ALERT FOR MISSING BANK OR CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS, ETC. If one is missing, investigate. Contact Australia Post to check that your mail is not being re-directed without your knowledge.
Tip #19. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR AND OFFER TO COLLECT THE MAIL FOR THOSE INCAPACITATED, SOCIALLY ISOLATED, OR AWAY FROM HOME.
Tip #20. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS. Connecting with the community builds a safer community. It allows more people to watch over your home, and letterbox. GOOD NEIGHBOURS ARE THE BEST WATCH DOGS!
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
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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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