Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #485 - 26 January 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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25 January, from Ku-ring-Gai Police Area Command
Please continue to be vigilant as there have been break and enters throughout the Command.
While you're out celebrating Australia Day, criminals are out there "working" hard to steal from you
While many break and enters occur in standalone residents, unit complexes are often targeted as well.
This is a timely reminder to all our unit residents that there are a few things that can be done to minimise the chance of getting broken into.
One question asked by victims of complex break and enters is, “How did they get into a secure building?”
An answer to this is often the offender ‘tailgates’ a resident by entering either via the driveway or foyer where they make their way to the cage areas where they break into unseen by anyone. Then chock open a fire door for easy access and exit.
Here are a few hints for home unit residents (complied by Neighbourhood Watch in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai areas and police):
• Reduce the chance of tailgating – wait until the gate is fully closed before driving to your allocated garage or space.
• Secure your garage and or storage cage with a good quality padlock or other locking mechanism
• Don’t leave expensive items in your storage cage
• Know who your neighbours are and where possible, be aware of those who shouldn’t be in or around your complex
• Clear your mailbox daily or have a neighbour do it for you in your absence
• Even if you reside a few floors up, always have your patio door locked at night or when out
• If you have any concerns about the safety of your complex, raise those concerns with the complex body corporate who can contact Hornsby Police to arrange a safety audit of your complex by the Crime Prevention officer.
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25 January, from Ku-ring-Gai Police Area Command
Kuring Gai Police Area Command is reminding the community to celebrate safely this Australia Day, as the state prepares to mark a national holiday that will look very different this year.
With large gatherings limited across the state due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, people are being encouraged to watch the live broadcast on TV from their home, have small COVID-safe gatherings with family and friends or book a restaurant in their local area to help support businesses.
However, a highly visible and mobile police operation will be in place on Tuesday 26 January 2021 for those who choose to reflect and celebrate outdoors. General duties officers from Kuring Gai PAC assisted by specialist police, will be deployed across the state to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.
While this year’s celebrations will look different, local police will be focusing on ensuring the community remains COVID-safe, and targeting alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
Australia Day 2021 is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit so we ask the community to be patient and respect each other and any restrictions in place.
Police will be ensuring that the community is adhering to current public health orders to ensure everyone enjoys Australia Day safely.
Importantly, it you are planning to drink, look after your mates, drink in moderation, and always have a Plan B if you’re driving.
Officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will also be on our roads. If you are caught doing the wrong thing, you will be put before the courts.
For details about what’s happening in your area and further event-related information, visit the official Australia Day website here.
Please check the NSW Health website for the public health restrictions that apply to your area, or the area you plan on visiting.
Hot weather is expected over the next few days, and police are urging revellers to keep informed on the conditions, look after their health and remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)
2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)
3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)
4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).
Visit site here for updated weather forecasts and warnings.
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22 January, from Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command: Break and enters and stealing.
Please be vigilant. Here are some tips that may help in protecting yourself and your property.
Break and enters, steal from dwellings and non-dwellings and stealing from motor vehicles. These types of offences can occur any time, day or night.
These are some of the crimes committed this last week across the Command.
The harder we make it for criminals to steal from us, the more likely they will leave our place alone and look for an easier victim.
Break and entering someone’s home or vehicle leaves the victim often leaves the victim feeling violated and vulnerable.
* Ensure you lock your doors and windows when leaving your home, even if only for a short time.
* If working in your back yard, ensure you lock your front and side doors
* Activate the house alarm if you have one when leaving your home.
* Consider installing good quality security doors
* Consider installing CCTV cameras
* Consider installing sensor lighting if you don’t already have some – a criminal enjoys the cover of darkness.
NON-DWELLINGS: Garages and carports, garden sheds.
* Keep your tools and equipment away, and don’t leave them out beside the house after using them
Lock your sheds
Although some vehicles are forcibly broken in to, a surprising number of vehicles parked in driveways, car ports and garages are left unlocked. This just makes it too easy for the would-be thief.
* Even when parked in the garage, lock your vehicle
* Ensure your windows are fully wound up and doors locked
* Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle in sight of prying eyes
* Activate your car alarm if you have one
* Consider installing sensor lighting around your garage
* You may even consider installing a reputable dash cam that can record and play back when there is any interference to your vehicle (This may also help clarify what occurred in a collision if you have one and have to make a claim on your insurance company).
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25 January, from Neighbourhood Watch NT
Introducing Neighbourhood Watch 4 Kids!
Neighbourhood Watch 4 Kids (NHW4Kids) is an e-learning portal to help caregivers prepare their child to travel safely in the community.
NHW4Kids provides best-practice advice to help children:
- improve their safety knowledge
- increase their confidence
- trust their instincts
Caregivers and their children will go on a learning journey to:
- recognise and react to unsafe situations
- play safety games
- access safety resources
- plan the child’s route with help from a virtual neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood Watch 4 Kids is available online now at: nhw4kids.org.au
Watch video here.
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25 January, from Caroline Ellen - Safer Stronger Kids
The following story has been provided to me by a follower of this page. It’s a true story, but names and identifying details have been changed.
The mum who has written this story has one goal: to help other parents understand exactly why keeping kids safe online is so important, and why we can’t ever afford to be complacent.
Recently on this page I remarked that just because something happens only online, doesn’t make it any less real. This story really highlights that in the most profound way.
Thank you to the mum who has written this. It takes so much courage to share. I’m sure there will be others who can learn so much from this experience.
Click here for full story.
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25 January, from NSW Police Force
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Central Coast.
Wudtichai Uanpromma, aged 44 – known by most as “Noom” – was last seen in the vicinity of Mangrove Mountain and Peats Ridge on Thursday 20 August 2020.
He was reported missing to Brisbane Water Police in early September and officers have been conducting inquiries into his whereabouts since.
Police have concerns for his welfare as he has no known relatives in Australia, and his friends and family in Thailand have not heard from him.
He is described as being of Asian appearance, between 165cm to 170cm tall, with a thin build, unshaven and black hair.
Anyone who may have seen ‘Noom’ or may know of his whereabouts is 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 site 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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24 January, A request for help from a resident:
We are looking for any dash cam footage from a traffic incident on Pacific Hwy, Turramurra traveling south before Kissing Point Road at about 12:10 Pm Friday 22 January, involving a flat top tow truck 489-TT and a red Honda HRV.
If you have any information please txt 0412 258 435.
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24 January, Shared with permission from the St Ives Community group:
Our neighbour was burgled this week and police came today and finger printed. Burglars obviously looking for cash or jewellery. House was randsacked and drawers pulled out. This is at Yarrabung road. She was away so not sure what night it occurred.
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23 January, Shared with permission from the Berowra Community group:
Hi everyone,
Last night at approx 2:30am we had someone brazenly come into the front of our property and appeared to try and break into our car in our carport.
A noise had woken us as well as a flashlight. The person appeared to have tripped over our fishing lines which were left to dry under our carport as we had been out most of the day. He must’ve got caught in the line and hooks as he struggled to cut the line free before making an escape.
The only concern is our censor light didn’t turn on which always does coming down our driveway. Can they be de activated somehow???
Just wanted to let everyone know to be vigilant with locking cars overnight. Stay safe. I’m in Cambewarra Crescent.
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23 January, Shared with permission also from the Mt Colah/Kuring-gai Families group:
I’m so sorry to hear this, mine was stolen a week ago from my storage cage at my apartment block. Corner of mills av and pacific highway.
This is the guy who stole mine.
This was 5am in the morning.
Yes, my bike was stolen recently too. Dead right about the shortage.
My bike was stolen from Hornsby Heights, it’s definitely going on.
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Dates for the diary
Friday 22 to Tuesday 26 January: Double demerits
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23 January, Shared with permission from the Mt Colah/Kuring-gai Families group:
My husband’s bike was stolen and it was chained to the bike rack in the basement parking of our apartment building.
Has anyone heard of bike theft around the area?
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22 January, from pd.com.au: How o deal with someone else's road rage.
Click here for details.
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22 January, from Australian Cyber Security Centre
QR codes are common for checking-in or ordering food at restaurants. But cyber criminals can also use them to obtain your personal information. Learn how to protect yourself. Click here for more.
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21 January, from NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby Council Areas
ALL mobile speed camera vehicles in NSW will soon have their high-visibility decals either entirely removed or reduced as part of changes which include tripling the operating hours of the 45 vehicles deployed statewide.
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20 January, from NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby Council Areas
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20 January, from NSW Police Force
What's the worst type of headache? Learn the rules  Check here.
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20 January, from NSW Police Force
A man has been charged after a nurse, conducting COVID testing, was allegedly assaulted at North Ryde last week.
About 9.45am on Friday 15 January 2021, a nurse approached a vehicle that had pulled into a COVID-19 testing facility at Macquarie Hospital.
The passenger of the car was requested to extinguish a cigarette. The man refused and became verbally abusive towards staff before getting out and throwing a take-away coffee cup at the nurse.
She sought assistance from her colleagues and the car drove off. She suffered a minor laceration under her eye and red marks to her cheek.
The nurse attended Gosford Police Station yesterday (Monday 19 January 2021), and made a report of the incident.
Following inquiries, officers from Ryde Police Area Command attended a home at Steward Street, Dundas Valley about 5.15pm, and arrested a 43-year-old man.
He was taken to Ryde Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The man was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).
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20 January, from NSW Health:
A headache is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if you have mild symptoms get tested for COVID-19 immediately.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell, loss of taste, fatigue, acute blocked nose (congestion), muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained chest pain and conjunctivitis.
A COVID-19 test is free, quick and easy. Most people in NSW receive their test result within 24 hours.
There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.
To find your nearest clinic visit site here or contact your GP. For the latest case locations, visit this site.
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From 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors':
Tip #3. INSTALL SECURITY SENSOR LIGHTING. Consider connecting the sensor lighting to a socket unit that can ‘chirrup’ or ‘bark’ as a warning/ deterrent.
Tip #5. NEVER ACCEPT DOOR-TO-DOOROFFERS OF WORK FROM TRADESMEN (eg tree-lopping, gutter maintenance) WITHOUT CONSULTATION WITH A TRUSTED FRIEND OR RELATIVE.
Tip #8. NEVER LET YOUR CREDIT CARD OUT OF YOUR SIGHT IN A CAFÉ OR RESTAURANT—GO WITH IT!
Tip #9. BUDDY-UP WITH A NEIGHBOUR— USE A SIGNAL TO SHOW YOU HAVE
ARISEN SAFELY (eg a blind raised.)
Tip #12. LOCK YOUR DOORS WHEN IN THE HOME. REMEMBER TO REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE LOCKS, IN CASE ACCESS IS NEEDED FROM OUTSIDE IN AN EMERGENCY
For more tips and translations, look at our website 'Tips' page here. Or try the 'Fires and Environment' page on our WatchOut website here, for links to great information available on the internet.
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From Cop Humour Australia:
I needed to go to the toilet while I was out and about today, so I found a public toilet that had two cubicles.
One of the doors was locked. So I went into the other one, closed the door, dropped my pants and sat down.
Then the guy in the cubicle next to me said, "Hey mate, how you going?"
I thought it was a bit strange, but I didn't want to be rude, so I replied, "Not too bad, thanks."
After a short pause he said, "So, what are you up to?"
Again I answered, somewhat reluctantly, "Just having a quick shit... How about yourself?"
Next thing I heard him say was, "Sorry mate, I'll have to call you back. I've got some asshole in the cubicle next to me answering everything I say!”
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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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