Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #475 - 24 November 2020
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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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23 November, from NSW Police: After an unprecedented 4 month high-visibility operation, the NSW/Victorian border has been declared open.
Police would like to thank the community for its ongoing support.
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23 November, from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 037 Gordon: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.
TIP no 1: KEEP LOOKING WHEN COOKING!
Today Gordon firefighters were called to a unit fire in a kitchen caused by food igniting on a stove. Upon seeing flames erupting from the oil in the pan the unfortunate resident thought they were doing the right thing and placed the burning pan under the tap in the kitchen sink.
TIP no 2: NEVER EVER PLACE A PAN ON FIRE UNDER A RUNNING TAP!
The result, a huge fire ball that reached the roof and triggered the sprinkler system resulting in a completely flooded unit. This situation can be extremely dangerous. If a pan catches on fire cover it with a lid if safe and remove it from the heat if possible or alternatively cover with a fire blanket. Remove to a safe space like an outdoor balcony when it’s safe to do so.
If you are unable to do this call 000 immediately, close doors behind you, turn off the stove if safe and get out and stay out until fire crews arrive. Never re enter a burning building.
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22 November, from Ku-ring-gai command: Officers from Ku-ring-Gai PCA have completed their last shift at the border town of Murray Downs.
Now the border between NSW and VIC has re-opened, thank-you to all the regional towns for your hospitality and support over the last 4 months!  
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20 November, from Ku-ring-gai command: HELP TRIPLE ZERO (000) FIND YOU
The Emergency + App re-launched.
The #emergencyplus app is a free, life-saving tool to help people call the right number and be found easily in an emergency, anywhere in Australia.
With @what3words now a feature within the Emergency+ app , (as well as street address and GPS Coordinates) callers can now describe their exact location in an emergency, quickly and easily, with just three words. Every 3 metre square in the world has been given a what3words address so you can #HelpTripleZeroFindYou with a unique three-word combination. Download the free emergency app today!
- Available on the App Store here
- Android App available on the Google Play Store here
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20 November, from Ku-ring-gai command: Body of missing Central Coast man located Thursday, 19 November 2020
A man reported missing from the Central Coast has been located deceased. The 81-year-old man was reported missing after last being seen on Railway Street, Woy Woy, on Monday 2 November 2020. Officers from Brisbane Water Police District were notified and conducted an extensive search for the man. About 9.20am yesterday (Wednesday 18 November 2020), officers from Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command attended bushland near Clovelly Road at Hornsby, after the body of a man was located. While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man. Inquiries into the incident continue, however his death is not being treated as suspicious. Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
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20 November, from NSW Police: Know what to do after a motor vehicle accident?
More information here.
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17 November, from Ku-ring-gai command: SCAM ALERT! We’ve had several reports of scammers calling people from what appear to be trusted NSW Police Force numbers and threatening the call recipients with fines or arrest.
These scammers are using technology to make it appear that the calls originate from legitimate police phone numbers; a practice known as ID spoofing. The caller impersonates a NSW Police Force officer and states that the person receiving the call has an outstanding fine or warrant. The scammer demands a form of payment to prevent arrest or further court action. The NSW Police Force will never call a member of the public and demand payment over the phone in order to avoid going to court or being arrested. If you get an unexpected call from someone who states they're from the police, and starts asking for personal details or threatens you, please hang up. If you’re concerned, you can always verify by contacting your local police or the Police Assistance Line directly on 131 444. To find out more information about scams, or to find out other ways to protect yourself, visit here. If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report it to local police or to the ACCC online at the ‘SCAMwatch report a scam’ page here.
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Welcome to our new Thornleigh Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page!
And thank you to Peter who is helping get this going. Are you in Thornleigh and would like to join in? Know someone in that area? Please tell your neighbours, friends, colleagues and family. Every little bit helps people be more aware of what's going on in their neighbourhood.
Thornleigh Neighbourhood Watch Facebook Page here.
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We can just squeeze in a late reminder...
Gordon/Killara/East Killara/some St Ives Neighbourhood Watch are holding their AGM tonight 6:45pm for a prompt start at 7pm (til approx 8:45pm) via Zoom. Email NHWGordon@gmail.com to RSVP. Meeting ID 999 7174 5955 Passcode: 464913. You are welcome, even if you don't live in these areas. As we are told, "Criminals know no boundaries". Please email us any questions ahead of the meeting if possible.
SPEAKER: Senior Constable Joanne Dodsworth, Crime Prevention Officer (CPO), Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command: Crime Report & Current Advice
SPEAKER: Chris Pitts, Bridge Mediation: “Neighbourhood Disputes – Finding Solutions”
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Thank you to Jyoti, for helping us to make our websites perfect.
She is adding the little symbols to identify pdfs, videos and external file links, as in the accompanying screenshot. Since we created our websites, these little symbols have become standard. Please have a look at her handy work so far on WatchOut.org.au, our crime prevention hub. Jyoti's next task is to create a new page on our NHWKuringgaiHornsby.org.au website and streamline our menu. Jyoti is a front end developer looking for fulltime employment and offered her assistance whilst searching. How generous is that?!
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Dates for the Diary
Tuesday 24 November: Gordon/Killara/East Killara/some St Ives Neighbourhood Watch AGM 6:45pm for a prompt start at 7-8:30pm via Zoom. Email NHWGordon@gmail.com for Meeting ID and passcode.
Wednesday 25 November - Thursday 10 December: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
Saturday 28 November: PCYC Driver Education programs 3-6pm Info
Sunday 29 November: 2-6pm Barefoot Firies community event @ The St Ives Club. Info.
Monday 30 November: “Know What to Do For Me and My Community” organised by Ku-ring-gai NSWPF command, Hornsby Council, and TAFE NSW. Contact: Lilian on 0426 453 619. Meeting ID: 889 3972 6285 Passcode: 08WhSe
Tuesday 08 December: 10am-12noon “Care for Seniors” online program for Chinese community to
- better understand about Domestic & Family Violence and Elder Abuse. Meeting ID: 843 4692 6346 Passcode: 363940
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24 November, from MyNRMA.com.au: How to use Do Not Disturb on your mobile phone while driving
While notifications are a great way to make sure you never miss an alert, giving your phone a rest when you're driving is always a good call. Fortunately, there's features available on iOS and Android that will push for safer driving habits.
Full article here.
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22 November, from NSW Police: Crash investigators are appealing for information following a fail-to-stop crash that left a woman with critical injuries in Sydney’s north-west today.
About 12.40am (Sunday 22 November 2020), emergency services were called to Mons Avenue at West Ryde, following reports an injured woman had been located on the road. It is believed the woman was struck by a vehicle, that then fled the scene. The 20-year-old woman was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition. Officers from Ryde Police Area Command established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit. As inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue, police are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam vision from the area and surrounding streets to come forward. Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or here. Information is treated in strict confidence.
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21 November, Shared with permission from the Gordon Community group yesterday:
Dear people of Gordon. I’m a resident who lives in 904-914 Pacific Highway. My parcel was recently stolen and we have got a video of the thief (a food delivery driver). We are still looking for which food delivery company he works for so that we can report him . I’m not sure if police would actually give us any help. I hope this serves as warning for others who live in apartments in the area that the common areas where parcels get left are not safe. Hope you all have a great day and never have to experience this situation like me :))
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19 November, from Hornsby Shire Council: BEROWRA WATERS ROAD RAILS
The new guardrails on Berowra Waters Road are looking good. Apart from being shiny and new, they are incredibly strong, making the narrow and winding drive down to the ferry much safer. It was a difficult project, but it certainly makes a big difference. Safe travels!
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18 November, from Crime Stoppers NSW: If you know about someone who is breaching their bail conditions this is something you can report confidentially to Crime Stoppers.
You can report this information online here or call us on 1800 333 000 (24/7).
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18 November, from Brooklyn NHW: It has been mentioned that there are probably many older people out in the community that aren't on Facebook and consequently are missing out on the advice and warnings that we are sharing.
If you know of residents like this, please would you suggest to them that they receive the NHW Ku-ring-gai/Hornsby weekly eNewsletter by email? They can request to be on the distribution via our website: NHWKuringgaiHornsby.org.au or by emailing NHWKuringgaiHornsby@gmail.com. All the information on how we can help you is in the attached flyer.
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18 November, from Neighbourhood Watch Berowra: Following on from the Berowra Crime Prevention Forum, we would like to get a small team together to help manage this Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page.
Is that you? It's the kind of thing you can fit in with 10 minutes here and there if you are on Facebook anyway. No pressure. We find it's a simple way for volunteers to connect with the local community and be more aware of what is going on. Please message us for more information. Look forward to having you on board 
Post Script: Thank you to Paul, our most recent volunteer.
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Taken from 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Homes'
- Tip #11: Consider an intruder alarm system. Utilise the alarm’s ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ settings, especially at night when sleeping. Consider having the alarm monitored (back-to-base). Consider a system with cctv cameras that can be remotely viewed from a mobile phone. Review your system – technology is constantly changing.
- Tip #12: External doors should be solid and fitted with deadlocks. Install patio bolts on sliding doors. Consider security doors.
- Tip #13: Windows should be solid and frames anchored securely. All windows should have keyed locks, including skylights. Don’t leave keys in locks. Alternative holes can allow a locked-while-open position for ventilation. Consider replacing glass with stronger laminated glass. Be aware of the vulnerability of leadlight windows, especially to the side of a front door. Consider shutters/grilles.
- Tip #14: Consider an audio/video intercom to vet your visitors, or install a peep-hole, security door-chain or door-bar, and/or a security door. (Flyscreens are not security doors.)
- Tip #18: Pre-program your phone(s) with all the emergency numbers below. Report everything. If you see anything suspicious, or witness a crime, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, please tell the Police. Try and get a car rego – use a rock to scratch it on the ground.
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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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