Neighbourhood Watch Queensland has entered the digital age with the launch of new online blogs to keep communities up to date with crime prevention strategies in their area.

In an effort to promote this launch and Neighbourhood Watch in general, a free sausage sizzle is scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at Hampton Park located on Manly Drive, Robina. This event will commence at 10:30am and conclude at 2:00pm.

Please come along to this free event and show your support. While satisfying your hunger, why not multi-skill and subscribe to the blog or express an interest in becoming an active member of your local neighbourhood watch group.

See you there!

On Saturday, March 29 Senior Constable Tracey Bailey from the Gold Coast District Crime Prevention Unit,  attended the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Blog Launch Event held at Hampton Park, Manly Drive, Robina.

Also present was Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Burness, Officer in Charge Broadbeach Police Station.  The presence of Acting Senior Sergeant BURNESS was much appreciated by the NHW Team and the community members who were in attendance.

Senior Constable Bailey states, “I am pleased to report this event was very successful with a number of people signing up on the day for the NHW Blog … It was great to receive so much positive feedback from those in attendance who wished to express their appreciation for the opportunity to get to know their local NHW Team and to introduce themselves to their neighbours.”

If you would like more information in relation to your local NHW please don’t hesitate to contact the Gold Coast District Crime Prevention Unit on ph: (07) 5581 2840 or email DCPC.GoldCoast@police.qld.gov.au.

It would be fantastic to welcome more volunteers into the fold of NHW.  Why not make the call today!

Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Burness; Mr Allan Howard (Area Coordinator – Broadbeach 24); Senior Constable Tracey Bailey

Young local family enjoying the sausage sizzle

New family to the area taking the opportunity to meet their neighbours

Subscribing to the new NHW Blog – Keeping up with local issues and events

Crime Stoppers ran a bowls day at the Tugun Bowls club on March 30. This was a very successful day raising much needed funds of $1463. Thank you to all those that participated and supported this event with your attendance and/or buying raffle tickets. A special thanks to the Tugun Bowls Club for the use of their facilities and support.

Board Chairman Colin Billinghurst & S/C Tracey Clouston

Bowlers enjoying their day on the green

S/C Tracey Clouston and Bronnie a winner of a dinner voucher for two.

The winners of the raffle were:

1st Prize Jackaroo BBQ – Averil Gee

2nd Prize Coffee Machine – Des Lacy

3rd Prize Blueray CD player – Margaux McLauglin

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

On 27 April between 1:30pm and 2:00pm, a mobility scooter was left by the roadside on Gooding Drive between Palm Meadows Drive and Robina Parkway, Merrimac.

The mobility scooter is currently being leased to a person who resides in this area and was unfortunate enough to experience a flat tyre whilst out and about. When this person was forced to leave the scooter by the side of the road while he sought out assistance, someone has come across it and stolen it.

This scooter is owned by the Rotary Club of Broadbeach who have a fleet of 50 mobility scooters that have been donated through the community and made available to people who could not otherwise afford to use one.

The scooter in question is a red 2004 Shop Rider, Rocky 4.  At the time it was stolen it had a flat tyre.

Red Shop Rider Mobility Scooter – Rocky 4

We are hoping that by providing this information there may be someone out there in the community who remembers seeing this scooter at this location on this particular day and has some information that can assisst in its recovery.

If you can assist police with their investigation please contact Crime Stoppers on ph: 1800 333 000

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Saad AL-SHAIKHLI

Queensland Police Liaison Officer

We welcome Saad to the Gold Coast Police District. Saad is a Police Liaison Officer whose role is to foster co-operation and understanding between the police and the multicultural community. He can provide assistance and support to victims and community members, especially those from non-English speaking backgrounds as he speaks a number of different languages. Saad wears the same uniform as a police officer however he has yellow shoulder epaulettes and a yellow chequered band on his hat. If you see Saad out and about, please welcome him to the Gold Coast community.

Saad can be contacted through the Cross Cultural Liaison Unit, Broadbeach Police Station at CulturalUnitPolice.GC@police.qld.gov.au.

Robina Police say ‘secure your number plates’

Robina Police and Volunteers in Policing will be offering to supply and fit FREE of charge, one way screws to secure number plates of your vehicle. When this type of screw is fitted it makes the removal of the number plate very difficult – deterring the theft of that number plate.

One way screws will be attached to your vehicle free of charge:

WHEN:                 9:00am – 1:00pm on Wednesday, May.

WHERE:               Masters Home Improvement Store Robina, Mawson St, off Christine AVE.

The Queensland Police Service is turning 150 years old and we think reaching that milestone deserves a year long celebration!!!

On Saturday, May 3 2014 our celebrations were taken to the home of the mighty Gold Coast Titans at the Cbus Super Stadium, Robina.

Before kick off Titans v Rabbitohs, we enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with the supporters, providing them with recruitment information and having a chat with the kids who loved the goodie bags and the opportunity to sit in a police vehicle and have their photo taken.

A huge shout out to the Gold Coast Titans who whole heartedly embraced our celebrations. They not only allowed our Pipes and Drums to rock out to ACDC and for us to scoot around the field on our new Segways, they gave us the opportunity to pay tribute to the courageous efforts of Officer in Charge Dog Squad, Sergeant Gary Hamrey and Police Dog Biff.

A fantastic day was had by all. Thank you to all those people who came up for a friendly chat and offered their support to the Queensland Police Service, it did not go unnoticed.

Pictured above are Senior Constable Sammons, Federal Member for McPherson – Karen Andrews MP, Clair Woodham, Andrea Asquith and Sergeant James

On Friday, May 16 a new Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) area was officially launched in Elanora. The area known as Palm Beach 16 includes Northlakes Drive, Baekea Drive and Pultenea Court Elanora. We welcome Palm Beach 16 to the NHW family.

Become your Neighbourhood Crime Fighter and subscribe to your local area Neighbourhood Watch Queensland Online Blog

Neighbourhood Watch membership is as easy as subscribing to your local blog http://goldcoast.nhwq.org/ to receive regular updates.

Friday, May 23 was National Walk to School Day. Senior Constable Foessel pictured with two students as the Elanora Primary School Adopt a Cop, took part in assisting a group of students to cross the busy streets. Several groups took part in the walk from various locations in Palm Beach and Elanora.

Walk Safely to School Day aims to encourage each Australian child to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle by including a walk at the beginning and end of each day to achieve at least 60 minutes of daily exercise to help prevent obesity and other health problems.

The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia.

Do you want immediate statistics and information regarding crime in your area? Do you want to improve communication between yourself, police and your community? Do you want to help build a safer environment? Are you willing to help us to fight crime? NHW has gone online and you can be involved. It’s as easy as subscribing to your local blog at the link below:

http://goldcoast.nhwq.org/

To register for updates enter your email in top right section “Email address”. Make sure you then choose “Gold Coast” in the drop down menu if you only want local updates. Then choose whether you want to receive information immediately, daily or weekly.

Alternatively come and see us at Bunnings Burleigh Heads at 177 – 207 Reedy Creek Road between 10am and 2pm Saturday May 31 2014 and we will help you to sign up and answer any questions that you may have.

On Saturday May 24, a new Neighbourhood (NHW) area was launched in Abraham Park. The area known as Coomera 13 covers an area near Assisi Catholic College with the boundary of Old Coach Road, Days Road, Billinghurst Crescent, out to Pacific Highway and back just north of Reserve Road.

If you live in this area and want to be involved, contact uppercoomeranhw@gmail.com. We welcome Coomera 13 to the NHW family.

Become your Neighbourhood Crime Fighter and subscribe to your local area Neighbourhood Watch Queensland Online Blog.

Neighbourhood Watch membership is as easy as subscribing to your local blog http://goldcoast.nhwq.org/ to receive regular updates.

Last Saturday, staff from the Gold Coast District Crime Prevention Unit attended Bunnings at Burleigh to sign up members of the community to the new Neighbourhood Watch Blog.  It was a great day, with many people coming up for a friendly chat to find out about how they can become more active in their community and how they can be better informed about local issues.

For those of you who had committed to your “weekend warrior” projects and didn’t have enough hands to provide your email details on the day to become an instant subscriber. Don’t fear! You haven’t missed your opportunity to join, it’s as easy as visiting www.nhwq.org/ entering your email address, nominating Gold Coast and ensuring the Weekly Digest option is marked.

We have another community event planned this weekend for you to become a Neighbourhood Watch Crime Fighter, on Saturday, June 7 between 9:00am – 2:00pm we will be at Pacific Pines Shopping Centre located on the corner of Pitcairn Way and Pacific Pines Boulevard, Pacific Pines.

This will be a combined event, also on offer are One Way Screws.  These screws are provided free of charge and prevent the theft of your vehicle registration plates.

See you there!

When: Wednesday, June 18 between 9:00am & 11:30am

Where: Runaway Bay Youth Centre, Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay (opposite Red Rooster)

Senior Sergeant Murray Underwood, Officer in Charge of Runaway Bay Police Station, invites you to attend this free community forum.

Representatives from industry, insurance, registration, breakdown and police will be attending to address the forum. If you have a mobility scooter, are considering a scooter, or have family members in these categories you are invited to attend.

The forum will address the responsibilities of mobility scooter riders, their interaction with other road and footpath users, and their compliance with current traffic laws.

The forum is sponsored by Cr Caldwell and Runaway Bay Rotary.

Morning Tea will be provided by Runaway Bay Rotary.

For further information contact the Runaway Bay Police Station on ph: 5557 6999 between 8:00am & 4:00pm – Monday to Friday.

Sergeant Sharlene McMahon advises the following:

Last week staff from the Gold Coast Police Cultural Unit attended the Griffith University International Students Orientation Day. With the assistance of Volunteers in Policing and Police Liaison Officers a great day was had by all. Police gave a presentation to the students on personal safety and then set up a stall at the fair. Police spoke with students, answered questions and provided resources to ensure all the students have a safe and enjoyable stay while studying on the beautiful Gold Coast.

The Police Cultural Unit with the assistance of Police Liaisons Officers who come from varied ethnic backgrounds and speak a variety of languages, aim to work together with the culturally diverse community to build harmony and mutual understanding and respect for all cultures.

The Police Cross Cultural Unit can be contacted at the Broadbeach Police Station should you have any inquiries in relation to multi-cultural issues or need the assistance of a Non English speaking Police Officer.

The Team

Volunteer in Policing – Les

Sergeant Sharlene McMahon & PLO Saad Al-Shaikhli

On Tuesday, July 8 a number of Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) attended the Helensvale Plaza Shopping Centre located on Sir John Overall Drive, Helensvale. The purpose of our visit was to connect with local residents and provide information in relation to CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES that can be implemented by everyone to ensure their home contents and vehicle are protected as much as possible against theft.

Our VIPs also offered their services to conduct HOME SECURITY AUDITS FREE OF CHARGE.  These appointments were eagerly snapped up by a number of locals who wanted a fresh set of eyes cast over their property’s existing security measures.

If YOU wish to take advantage of this free service please contact the Gold Coast District Crime Prevention Unit to arrange a suitable time for one of our dedicated VIPs to visit your home and conduct a security audit. We are available on phone: 5581 2840 or email: DCPC.GoldCoast@police.qld.gov.au.

Volunteers In Policing at Helensvale Plaza

Secure your valuables and car keys within your home!

It isn’t a nice feeling when your home is broken into, you feel like your privacy has been invaded in the most severe way possible. Your home is your castle that is why it is so important that we adopt strong crime prevention strategies and ensure that we use them. We need to make it as hard as possible for offenders to gain entry to our sanctuary.

In the event offenders do break in, it is important that we make it as hard as possible for them to locate the smaller items of interest, the ones that are easily carried from our properties like cash, jewellery and small electronic devices. I know it’s convenient to have our jewellery in a jewellery box sitting on our dresser draw or in the bathroom where we get ready, but trust me, this is the first place where an offender is going to look.  Why not hide them, especially the sentimental stuff that cannot be replaced.  Be creative with your hiding spots and selective with who you tell.

What about the keys to your car or the second family car, where do you store them when you’re not at home? On a key rack or entrance table near the front door, how about on the kitchen bench in a bowl? If you have said yes to any of these locations, it’s like hanging a welcoming note for offenders, highlighting your vehicle as a possible removalist service? Now not only do they have access to your vehicle to load it up with your belongings, they can now leave your address without alarming your neighbours.

In this instance, unfortunately not only has your privacy been invaded, but there is an increase in the financial burden and your independence, your ability to travel where and when you need to, has been drastically affected. How are you going to get to work, drop the kids off at school, visit family and friends, attend your local shopping centre? The list goes on.

When thinking home security, think about securing your car keys.

The Gold Coast District Crime Prevention Unit offers FREE OF CHARGE Home Security Audits whereby Volunteers in Policing attend your home and cast a fresh set of eyes over your existing security measures, and where applicable, suggest additional means for consideration. If you think this is something you’d like to take advantage of please don’t hesitate to contact our office on ph: (07) 5581 2840 or email DCPC.GoldCoast@police.qld.gov.au to arrange a suitable time.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

The Officer-in-Charge of Palm Beach Police Station, Senior Sergeant Paul Hunter wishes to advise the residents of Palm Beach that he is currently conducting a survey which aims to assess community expectations and client satisfaction in relation to the performance of Palm Beach Police.

Senior Sergeant Paul Hunter urges that if you are able to assist and offer us your view on crime and your satisfaction with police, please use the link to complete the survey.

If you would prefer the link emailed directly to you, please email PalmBeach.Station@police.qld.gov.au

We look forward to hearing from you and wish to thank you in advance for taking the time to participate in this worthwhile survey.

On Friday, September 12 a free community information seminar will be held between 9:00am and 2:30pm at the Robina Community Centre located at 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina.

The topic of discussion is “Suicide Prevention: One World Connected”.
This seminar coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day.

Refreshments will be available on the day with a gold coin donation.

If you would like to attend please view the enclosed flyer for further information.

Police are investigating two burglary offences that occurred at Ormeau Hills and Coomera.

Investigations indicate that sometime between July 30 and August 29, unknown offenders have broken in to a house on Landsdowne Drive at Ormeau Hills.

On August 28, a light coloured dual cab utility was seen in the vicinity of the address, and two men were seen sitting in the utility. 

They are described as Caucasian in appearance and were wearing high visibility jackets.  One had sandy coloured shaggy hair, and was unshaven.  The other man was not further described.

Investigations suggest that the second incident occurred sometime between August 31 and September 1, with unknown offenders breaking in to a house on Rainbow Circuit at Coomera.

At approximately 8am on September 1, a man wearing three-quarter khaki pants and a dark coloured jumper, possibly a hoodie, was seen near the address. 

The man was seen getting into a white Toyota Hilux utility bearing stolen Queensland registration plates before driving away.

It is not known if these offences are linked at this stage. 

Investigations are continuing, and police are appealing for anyone who may have information that relate to these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crimestoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

The Gold Coast District Neighbourhood Watch Team wish to invite you to a Fraud Forum.

When: Tuesday, September 30 commencing at 5.30pm

Where: The Robina Community Centre located at 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina.

This event is free of charge.  Light refreshments will be available.

For further information relating to guest speakers, please read the enclosed flyer.

To RSVP, please contact ph: 0412 707 186.