Neighbourhood Watch in
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #488 - 16 February 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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12 February, from NSW Police: Police are appealing for public assistance after reports of a charity fraud in Sydney’s west.
In January 2021, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command commenced an investigation after reports a woman had attended homes in Casula, collecting money. Police have been told the woman identified herself as ‘Jessie’, a representative of a children’s cancer foundation. Inquiries have since revealed the woman is not affiliated with the nominated charity organisation and may be operating in other suburbs in Sydney’s west. Investigators have now released images of a woman who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The woman depicted is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in her 40s to 50s, about 170cm tall, of slim build and with blonde hair. She is shown wearing a black jacket, tights and shoes, carrying a black bag and wearing a name tag.
Liverpool City Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Liddiard said all reports of fraud are thoroughly investigated especially when someone takes advantage of the community’s generosity.
Anyone who may have information that could assist investigators is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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11 February, from Ku-ring-gai command: This last week several police vehicles had their wheels stolen while parked outside the station. On reviewing the CCTV footage police were able to obtain a very good description of the male.
As the incident had resulted in healthy public interest and police had a good description of the offender, a spokesman was tasked to front the media on the steps of the station to give them a briefing on the incident.
The officer was able to reassure the public that whilst at this stage the identity of the offender remained unclear, it would only be a matter of time before he was apprehended as police were working tirelessly to find him.
Now on a more serious note; Remember, if you see something suspicious then please contact police immediately.
How to contact police and when:
“000” Triple zero - for emergency or life-threatening situations
9476 9799 – Hornsby Police station
9418 5399 – Gordon Police station
131 444 (Police Assistance Line) – for non-emergencies
1800 333 000 (Crime Stoppers) – To provide crime information
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10 February, from Ku-ring-gai command: National Police Checks are now available online directly from the NSW Police Force.
Apply anywhere, at any time and from any device. Receive your digital certificate by email in less than an hour. Fast, secure and affordable – from $50. Visit: www.police.nsw.gov.au/npc
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10 February, from Ku-ring-gai command: APARTMENT BUILDING COMPLEXES and STEALING FROM GARAGE STORAGE CAGES
There has been a substantial increase of late of breaking, entering and stealing from underground car park storage cages in apartment buildings throughout Sydney. From the Lower North Shore and through to Hornsby, numerous incidents like these have occurred.
The method of breaking into the cages ranges from cutting or breaking the lock, cages being left unlocked and unsecured and some cages being entered by the offender forcing their way through gaps in the cage walls. Please ensure you do not keep valuables stored in your storage cage and that you keep it locked at all times. Entry to your complex is often gained by ‘tailgating’ or ‘shadowing’ you in through the security garage doors of your complex. Sometimes external fire doors have been chocked open (not necessarily by the offender), allowing easy entry and exit for the offender. Please also ensure that no one follows you through the front security doors into your complex.
If you would like a security audit conducted on your complex, please contact your strata management and ask them to contact the Crime Prevention Officer at Hornsby Police 9476 9799 and he will make arrangements to visit your complex and conduct a safety and security audit. Some of the things we look at are whether there are CCTV cameras, the type of access to your building and complex grounds from streets surrounding you, whether access is by fob keys or codes or simply walking in, dark or hidden areas within your complex, lighting, to mention a few.
Please stay vigilant and remember to report any suspicious persons or activity to police at the time or as close to the incident as possible.
How to contact police and when:
“000” Triple zero - for emergency or life-threatening situations
9476 9799 – Hornsby Police station
9418 5399 – Gordon Police station
131 444 (Police Assistance Line) – for non-emergencies
1800 333 000 (Crime Stoppers) – To provide crime information
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REPORT - Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby: 'All Areas' NHW meeting #29 for Coordinators & Volunteers, held on Wednesday, 10 February 2021 via Zoom.
Thank you to our Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command (PAC) Commander, Supt Barry Vincent, for introducing himself at our meeting. Also our Multicultural Community Liaison Officer, Fiona Zhou and our Crime Prevention Officer, Snr Cst Colin Mitchell. Colin outlined his role and gave a detailed rundown of the current crime situation in the suburbs within the Ku-ring-gai PAC.
Thank you to NHW NSW for loan of their Zoom account. NHW NSW are inviting sponsors - if you are interested, please email us here.
The meeting summary notes will be distributed to invitees. If you'd like a copy of the notes, or would be interested in attending, please email us here.
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16 February, Shared with permission from the Wahroonga Community group:
Hello! Unfortunately my family had a break in last week (on Saturday morning around 11:30am) and we lost most of our valuable possessions; many of which were my mothers wedding presents or family heirlooms. Please if you see any of these for sale on Gumtree etc, let us know. We would also love to buy replacements, so if anyone is selling any of the ones listed below please contact me.
Georg Jensen:
- daisy stud earrings
- multichained daisy necklace
- moonlight blossom necklace
- strata necklace
Catherine Jones
- Celtic knot necklace and bracelet
- Silver twist necklace
- Stirling silver and rose gold plated necklace with matching bracelet
Pandora:
- Tropical starfish necklace and earrings
Ice:
- Purple wrist watch
Raymond Weil:
- Gold oval watch
Citizen:
- Silver and gold watch
Casio:
- Men’s G shock G540D-2AV
Antique marcasite frog brooch (belonged to my great great grandmother)
Antique marcasite silver necklace (also a family heirloom)
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WARRAWEE
Welcome to our new group in Warrawee! Please let your friends know about the Neighbourhood Watch Warrawee Facebook page.
Thank you to our new volunteer, Kanak, for helping get this page started 
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15 February, from 9News.com.au: Mass murderer Robert Xie loses appeal against convictions
Mass murderer Robert Xie has lost his appeal against his convictions for slaughtering five of his family members in their Sydney home in 2009. In February 2017, Xie was handed five life sentences for murdering his newsagent brother-in-law Min Lin, his wife Lily Lin, their two boys Henry and Terry, and Lily's sister Irene in their North Epping home.
Full article here.
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Dates for the Diary
Monday 15 March to Sunday 21 March: Harmony Week
Sunday 21 March to Sunday 28 March: Connected Communities - From Harmony Day to Neighbour Day, celebrating diversity and strengthening community connections. Virtual events. Info.
Sunday 28 March: Neighbour Day. Info. Download FREE Neighbour Day Colouring-in here.
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15 February, from Today: A motorist has been left shocked after being slapped a fine of $114 for forgetting to wind up his window before he left the vehicle.
NSW police charged him with 'leaving a vehicle unattended while the doors were not locked and windows not secured'. Is this fair?
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15 February, from Today: Residents in Melbourne’s northeast who were fed up with the council not fixing a pothole have taken matters into their own hands in a hilarious way, planting a tree in the middle of the road!
Genius or madness?
Or use the Snap Send Solve App to report to council?
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13 February, taken from an NRMA article about road rules you may have missed (sorry, no link): Restrain your pets
The rules for passengers traveling in your vehicle apply to our four-legged friends, too. While Fang might take pride of place on your lap at home, the car is not the place for them - especially if you’re driving. Fines vary from state to state and can be up to $400 per offence, but in NSW you will lose three demerit points and be fined $397. It’s safer to keep your pet out of the front of the car altogether. Securing pets with a travel harness in the back seat will keep you from being distracted and your pet safely restrained in case you need to brake heavily or swerve to avoid a collision.
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13 February, from Crime Stoppers NSW: If you are a pedestrian, you should take responsibility for your own safety by using crossings, obeying road rules and being aware of your surroundings.
As a pedestrian you should:
 Obey signals at crossings (penalty applies for failure to do so)- Always cross at a pedestrian crossing if one is available (penalty applies for failure to do so);
- Never assume a driver has seen you or intends to stop;
- Never cross a road while using headphones or mobile phones;
- Always hold the hands of children when crossing the road.
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12 February, from The Australian: US man Alex Dion on trial for murder of Wachira ‘Mario’ Phetmang, found wrapped in plastic on Sydney road
A truck driver setting out cones after a breakdown on a busy Sydney highway discovered a bloodied and decomposing body covered in plastic, a court has heard. The body found that night along Homebush Bay Drive on June 6, 2018 belonged to small-time drug dealer Wachira “Mario” Phetmang, 33, who had been bludgeoned to death sometime in the days before...
"The court heard a red and blue hat, black coat and lense-less glasses he wore on May 25 were found in a rainwater tank in the Sydney suburb of East Killara on May 28, at a property where Mr Dion had worked the week before."
Full article here.
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12 February, from ScamWatch Radar Alert: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Scamwatch
Scamwatch radar alert - Romance baiting scams on the rise
Australians reported a record-breaking $37 million lost to Scamwatch last year for dating and romance scams. Total losses are expected to be much higher and scammers are now using dating apps to lure victims into investment scams. This new technique, called romance baiting, involves scammers meeting people on dating apps and then moving the conversation to an encrypted chat site. After a few weeks of developing a relationship, the scammer will begin asking about the victim’s finances and encourage them to participate in an investment opportunity....
"“You can also do an internet search with the name or photo of your love interest or some of the phrases they have used to help identify if it is a scam.”"
Full Media Release here.
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11 February, Our Crime Prevention Officer, Snr Cst Colin Mitchell posted an update in the Wahroonga Community Group:
In summary of the past week in the St Ives, Pymble, Turramurra and Wahroonga areas, we have made one significant arrest for break and enters in the area and we continue to patrol the Command day and night in both marked and unmarked vehicles.
We conducted a safety assessment of a large unit complex as well as completing a ‘car park audit’. Advice was given regarding, securing property in unit complexes, how to be as safe as possible and to remain vigilant. Please continue to be vigilant as there may be others targeting the area for break and enters, try to put your valuables out of sight of prying eyes when parking your vehicle at the shopping centre, lock your cars when you’ve returned home and do not hesitate to report to police anything you see that is suspicious, from people, to vehicles and anti-social behaviour.
Remember, the sooner we know about any incident occurring, the quicker we can respond. Who knows, we may even have a car in the near vicinity at the time. Timely reporting is extremely important as it gives us the best chance of engaging the suspect.
HOW TO CONTACT POLICE AND WHEN
“000” Triple zero - for emergency or life-threatening situations
9476 9799 – Hornsby Police station
9418 5399 – Gordon Police station
131 444 (Police Assistance Line) – for non-emergencies
1800 333 000 (Crime Stoppers) – To provide crime information
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09 February, Shared from our Crime Prevention Officer Snr Cst Colin Mitchell: When shopping, please think about where you store your valuables and goods you purchase.
Throughout the command we have too many 'Steal from Vehicle' offences. Shopping centres are an easy target for the thieves who are out there. Keep your vehicles locked, your windows up and valuables out of sight. This way, you’ll give yourself the best chance of not having your vehicle broken in to. Today, 8th February 2021, between 10:30am and 12:30pm, we conducted a car park audit of the St Ives Shopping Village. The reason we do these audits is to make you aware of the risks of leaving your vehicles unlocked, windows down and or property within view of the public. Thieves look for any opportunity to quickly break into your vehicle and take your possessions. The less time they spend breaking into your car, the better for them. The more interesting the object in your car, the more likely they are to break in and take it. Your backpack may only have food or nappies in it, but the thief doesn’t know this, so will break in and take it, then discard the bag someplace else. The frustration and inconvenience to have the damage rectified, the feeling of having your personal space (your car) violated this way, is horrible. This is what we found today that would be of interest to thieves:
- 1 brief case on front passenger seat
- 1 x suitcase
- 1 x Notebook cover with notebook in rear passenger foot-well
- 1 x ladies’ purse
- 6 backpacks – 3 on front passenger seats and 3 on rear seats
- 11 x ladies’ handbags – all front passenger seat and or foot-well including a Gucci bag – genuine or not, this could be sufficient for a thief to break in and take it
- 1 x front passenger's window down about 5 cm
- 1 x vehicle unlocked
- 2 x vehicles with coins clearly visible in front console – approx. $3 to $4 dollars each - not much, but sufficient for a desperate thief to break in and take
- Numerous utilities bills with personal addresses clearly seen from outside the vehicle
- Numerous bags containing clothing, gifts etc – not food items
- Parcels showing home address of recipient. Indicates the owner isn’t home and their house not occupied at that time.
Remember that old saying "Out of sight, out of mind"? Well, the same goes for stealing from your vehicle.
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09 February, from Brooklyn Neighbourhood Watch: News just in... Lock your car thieves about last night...
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From 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Pedestrians'
- Tip# 1: MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers before crossing any road, even on a pedestrian crossing. Parents – teach your kids this life skill. Just because someone else decides to cross, doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. Your life – your decision.
- Tip# 2: CONSIDER WHAT YOU WEAR – dark colours may not be seen by drivers. Wear bright, lighter-coloured clothing when walking from dusk onwards or in reduced visibility conditions. Just because you can see a car (or their lights) doesn’t mean the driver can see you, or will stop for you. The driver may have different priorities than you today. Or their vision may be affected by the sun. Consider reflective clothing and/or shoes with reflective strips. It is possible to buy reflective strips and armbands.
- Tip# 3: PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE. Unplug your earphones. Give all senses to the job of keeping you safe. Concentrate whilst you are on that road. Pause any involved conversations with those near you. 100% concentration please!
- Tip# 4: NOTICE THE CAR SLOWING before you consider stepping onto the road/crossing. Do NOT assume that a vehicle is doing the displayed speed limit and that you “should have enough time to cross”. Even cyclists can break the speed limit and it’s very difficult to assess their speed from straight on. Rain and wet roads make stopping distances a lot further.
For more tips and translations, look at our website 'Tips' page here. Or try the '' page on our WatchOut website here, for links to great information available on the internet.
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12 February, from the Mounted Unit - NSWPF: Well that’s very environmentally friendly!
Troop horses Don and Ismo doing their bit for the planet  
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 Yeah, real sorry boss, but you're not getting it back 
Thanks to NSW Police Force
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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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