Neighbourhood Watch
Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby
eNewsletter #574 - 11 October 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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09 October, from Ku-ring-gai command: A body - believed to be that of a 24-year-old man who went missing from Waitara about 7am on Thursday (6 October 2022) - was located this afternoon (Sunday 9 October 2022).
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
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08 October, from Ku-ring-gai command: We need your help to locate Ryan Chapman, aged 24
Ryan was last seen at his home on Balmoral Street, Waitara, about 7am on Thursday 6 October 2022 and when he could not be located, he was reported missing to officers at Kuring Gai Police Area Command. Police and family hold serious concerns are held for Ryan’s welfare. Ryan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165-170cm tall, of thin build with fair hair. He was last seen wearing white and black Adidas shoes and carrying a navy Country Road duffle bag. Ryan is known to frequently attend the Dee Why, Cromer and Hornsby areas.
Anyone who may have seen Ryan or may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact Hornsby Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Link for further details here.
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07 October, from NSW SES Ku-ring-gai Unit:  Bureau of Meteorology - Severe Weather Warnings Across NSW Including Metropolitan Sydney
Warnings of severe weather have been issued across Sydney, the surrounds and many regions in NSW. Please reference the below listed web sites and plan / prepare carefully. Be safe !
For full details go to hazardwatch.gov.au - New South Wales Flood Warnings issued by the NSW State Emergency Service - and the Bureau of Meteorology at bom.gov.au
Do you know your flood risk?
Are you at risk? If you live close to a creek, river, major storm water drain or in a low‐lying area, you may be at risk from floods.
 Find out how you can help yourself before, during and after a flood at the NSW SES website ses.nsw.gov.au/disaster-tabs-header/flood Visit Ku-ring-gai Council’s Climate Wise Communities to understand the hazards in your location climatewisecommunities.com.au/ If you require emergency assistance due to storm, flood or tsunami contact NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations call 000 immediately.
Please DO NOT drive across flooded roads
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07 October, from The Hills command:  Road Closure due to Flooding Wisemans Ferry Rd
NSW SES The Hills Unit
Several Hours Later - minor flood warning for low lying areas. For the next five days, please check your route on LiveTraffic.Com or other suitable Apps, prior to leaving home. Do not drive into any water on the road. Check tyre pressure and Tread before you drive. https://www.livetraffic.com/.../wisemans-ferry-road-cattai
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07 October, from NSW SES: Heavy rainfall is expected across parts of the State this week, which means an increased risk of flash flooding and flooded roads!
If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route.
Find out more about your flood risk and learn how to prepare in your language: ses.nsw.gov.au/flood-resources/before-a-flood/know-your-risk/
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05 October, from Alister Henskens MP: An important acknowledgment today at Asquith Magpies Rugby League Club of the many hundreds of years of combined service to our community by the current and former police officers at the Kuring Gai Police Area Command Awards. 
I thank Superintendent Matthew Scott, his team, the recipients, their families and loved ones.
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11 October, from Transport for NSW:  Galston Road is set to reopen between Hornsby Heights and Galston on Tuesday 11 October at 7pm.
The road was closed in August to undertake major stabilisation and engineering works, such as:
 Drilling 83 rock bolts 6 to 8 metres into the rock face to anchor the slope- The installation of 16 horizontal drains into the slope to draw out moisture
- Spray on concrete to secure and stabilise the front slope
- Building a retaining wall out of large concrete blocks to secure the slope
- The removal of 60 tonnes of sandstone and 340 tonnes of soil
  Night works will take place from Wednesday 12 October until late November between 8pm and 5am so we can complete the full scope of works. Thanks for your patience throughout 
 Visit www.livetraffic.com for traffic updates.
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10 October, from Hornsby Shire Council: ALGAL BLOOM | Monitoring within the Hawkesbury River has found a harmful algae species, Alexandrium pacificum. The algae was found in the waters of the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River, downstream of the Pacific Highway bridge, with the highest concentrations at Porto Bay.
The algal bloom has not been detected in the upper areas of the estuary. This algae can accumulate within shellfish and can be toxic to humans when eaten. As a precaution, please do not consume any shellfish caught within this area at this time. Commercial shellfish harvest in the area has ceased and current product in the marketplace is not affected. Monitoring of the Lower Hawkesbury will continue, and further advice will be provided as results are available.  hornsby.nsw.gov.au/waterquality
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10 October, from Hornsby Shire Council: ON THE ROAD  | A notice to residents and road users around the following locations of the need for extra caution when driving at night this week as night roadworks are continuing.
Works are planned for the following locations:
 Corner of Burdett and Hunter Street- 139 Pennant Hills Road
- 120 Pennant Hills Road
- 206 Pennant Hills Road
- 64, 178 & opposite 184 Beecroft Road
To stay up to date on roadworks in Hornsby Shire, see: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/roadworks
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10 October, from NSW SES Ku-ring-gai Unit: Operational Update
[08 Oct 2022] Over the last 7 days the Ku-ring-gai Unit has received 19 requests for assistance.
The main issue experienced by the Ku-ring-gai community is leaking roofs.
With more rain on the way, please check and clear your gutters, and arrange any needed repairs to your property.
Know what to do:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees
 Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard, and balcony- Stay at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines
- Report fallen power lines to Ausgrid (131 388)
 Keep clear of creeks and storm drains- Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water
 If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000- Stay indoors away from windows
  Keep children and pets indoors- If you require emergency assistance due to storm or flood, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
- For emergency assistance in life threatening emergencies call 000 immediately.
For the most up to date information visit the Bureau of Meteorology at bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
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10 October, from 9News.com.au: New tool released to help stop drivers from speeding
A moment's loss of concentration is all it can take for drivers to lose track of their speed and break the road rules. But now a new tool has been created to help keep that lead foot in check. The Speed Adviser app, created by the NSW Government's Centre for Road Safety, can warn drivers if they travel over the speed limit — or if drivers enter a zone where a mobile speed camera may be operating...
Full article here.
Google Play App available here.
Apple App available here.
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09 October, Shared with permission from the Lindfield/ East Lindfield/ Killara/Roseville Community Group:
We witnessed a fight, possibly stabbing, along Pacific Highway near 99.Bike shop on Oct 6 approximately 10:25pm . A police report was lodged and apparently one was badly hurt and was admitted to the hospital. Should anyone who saw that incident and has footage from their dashcam, please get in touch with Chatswood Police Station asap. They are appealing to witnesses to come forward. Felt terrible we couldn’t do much to help. Our prayers are with the victim.
Chatswood police station phone: 9414 8499.
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09 October, from Crime Stoppers NSW:  Optus update
The NSW Police Force Cybercrime Squad continue to receive multiple reports regarding the Optus cyber-attack from customers.
A reminder to those affected:
- Optus customers are NOT required to obtain a NSW Police Force event number or ReportCyber reference number.
- For Optus updates, please visit: optus.com.au/support/cyberattack
- Impacted Optus customers can apply for a replacement drivers licence via the Service NSW website.
- For Service NSW updates, please visit: service.nsw.gov.au/optus-breach
 Customers are advised to use the website and not the application on their phones or other portable devices.
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09 October, from Crime Stoppers NSW: Did you know that you can report ANIMAL CRUELTY to Crime Stoppers?
Do you know about someone who is involved in:
 Physical abuse- Poor living conditions
 Neglect Not rendering medical assistance in a timely manner Baiting Animal fights for sports
You can report what you know online at crimestoppers.com.au/home or call us on 1800 333 000 (24/7).
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06 October, from the Australian Federal Police: The Australian Federal Police, Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and ThinkUKnow Australia yesterday held a stakeholder event introducing a new children's picture book to help kids recognise the signs of online grooming.
Jack Changes the Game is based on a real report made to the ACCCE about a child being approached online while playing a game. The book is designed to be co-read by parents, carers and educators with children aged 5 to 8. It encourages important conversations about inappropriate contact, online grooming, why it's important to speak up, and where to get help and report.
The book will be released in Australian primary schools soon and is available to read online here.
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Dates for the Diary
Tuesday 11 October: 7pm Galston Road reopens.
Tuesday 11 October: 6-8pm @ Gordon Library's private meeting room. Family Drug Support. Info/Register.
Wednesday 26 October: 6pm NHW Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby volunteers meeting @ PCYC, Waitara. New volunteers welcome!
Monday 07 - Sunday 13 November: Neighbourhood Watch Week
Wednesday 30 November: 7pm NHW Gordon/Killara/East Killara/part Pymble/part St Ives AGM @ St John's Anglican Church, Gordon. NHW Crime Prevention stall. All residents welcome!
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06 October, from Nepean command: THERE’S NEVER A BAD TIME TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION WITH YOUR CHILDREN
The safety and wellbeing of our children is paramount. As parents and carers, we can’t always be with our children to advise and protect them.
When out and about, children can be confronted with situations where good decision-making is vital. With this in mind, advising our children with appropriate responses to certain situations will help them avoid trouble and danger.
Here are some simple tips to give your children for when they are out and about:
- PROTECT YOUR CHILD WALKING HOME
- ALWAYS identify safe places on the way home from school.
- DO NOT stop and talk to people you don’t know. Go straight home or to your intended destination.
- ALWAYS find a safe place if you feel frightened. These include schools, shops, churches or police/fire/ambulance stations and tell them that you are frightened.
- NEVER get into a car with someone you don’t know.
- PROTECT YOUR CHILD ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
- NEVER travel in isolated areas. Find crowded carriages, guard’s compartment (marked with a blue light) or at the front of the bus.
- ALWAYS try to travel in groups of friends if possible.
- PROTECT YOUR CHILD WHEN IN PUBLIC SPACES
- ALWAYS carry a contact number for your parents. (On a card attached to your clothing, written on your arms or in your phone).
- DO NOT walk away from family or friends without telling them where you are going, when you’ll be back and who you are with.
- ALWAYS walk away from fights or arguments, unpleasant or aggressive behaviour and take your friends with you.
- REMEMBER, always tell your parents, carer or teacher if something has happened.
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05 October, from Nepean command:
Email NHW Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby here if you would like a pdf.
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03 October, from the Australian Federal Police: The AFP Activity Book teaches children how the Australian Federal Police keeps Australia safe.
The book introduces a number of AFP members, including Constable Paul the Platypus and Wendy the Wombat, and explores what they do. Children can colour in and complete a series of activities, including a word search, spot the difference and maze.
More info and download the activity book here.
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From NHW in Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby: 'Our 20 Favourite Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors'
Tip #1. INSTALL A SPY-HOLE.
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 #9. BUDDY-UP WITH A NEIGHBOUR— USE A SIGNAL TO SHOW YOU HAVE ARISEN SAFELY (eg a blind raised.)
Tip #10. GET YOUR FREE ‘LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF SCAMS’ PUBLICATION (published by the government’s ACCC) from Neighbourhood Watch.
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 Fire and Rescue NSW: Hip hip, hooray   Happy Birthday Gandalf!
He's one of our three Ignitable Liquid Detection Canines that use their incredible sense of smell to detect accelerants in tiny concentrations.
Happy Barkday su-paw-star!  
 : Gandalf with handler Tim Garrett.
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05 October, from Nepean command: On a road where there's a 'Keep left unless overtaking' sign or a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not drive in the right lane, unless you're: overtaking. turning right. making a U-turn.
Disobey keep left unless overtaking sign-motor vehicle $362 plus 2 demerit points
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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.
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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