MESSAGE FROM THE AREA COORDINATOR FEBRUARY 2013 Hello Neighbours, A Happy New Year to all- and I trust that you had an enjoyable break despite the hot weather. I spent Christmas in Brisbane and then watched the International Tennis Tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre. On the way back to Hervey Bay I visited old friends at Noosaville and Tewantin and enjoyed swimming at Noosa Beach.

Now that the Storm Season is approaching we have included in this Newsletter information on having an emergency plan to cope with all eventualities. A “Get Ready Queensland” guide has been prepared by the Government and the SES. So make sure that your household is ready.

Also included in this issue are handy forms to describe suspect incidents, suspect vehicles and suspect persons. Your information could help to solve a crime!

Mary Symons has been a hard-working Block Co-ordinator who has been delivering over 70 Newsletters 4 times a year. Mary is moving to Emerald and we thank her for her enthusiastic contribution to Neighbourhood Watch Area 2 Hervey Bay. So we now urgently need a replacement for her. She lives in the Saunders Street area. Would volunteers please phone 4124 2980. Our Area will be very grateful for your assistance.

The November Newsletter featured details of a petition prepared by Mr. Rod Dudgeon and the Hervey Bay Foreshore Protection Group. Details of incorrect wording that appeared together with the correct wording are included in a Correction Panel on Page 2. Neighbourhood Watch Area 2 apologises for this error.

I look forward to seeing you at our next General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday 12 February at 9.30 am at the Big 4 Caravan Park in Corser Street.

See you then Regards

Peter Leney, Area Co-Ordinator

NEWSLETTER HERVEY BAY 2 POINT VERNON

FEBRUARY 2013

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this n e w s l e t t e r a r e n o t necessarily the views of the Community Watch Unit or the Police Service unless so quoted and authorised.

We are Area 2

CONTACTS

Area Coordinator

Peter Leney

4124 2980

Assistant Area

Coordinator

Rob Cross

4124 2247

Treasurer

Judy Killer

4124 2478

Minutes Secretary

Mary McDonald

4128 1723

Newsletter Editor

Peter Leney

4124 2980

POLICE

4123 8111

CRIME STOPPERS

1800 333 000

SES

132500

Policelink

131 444

Area Map

Hervey Bay Area 2

Point Vernon

WHAT IS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH?

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is a program organised by the community in order to reduce residential crime. It is free to all residents in a Neighbourhood Watch Area.

It is about working together as a community to improve personal safety and household security. Most importantly, it is about encouraging interaction and a sense of responsibility between neighbours and communities.

NHW is not a police program. Police lend their expertise in organising and training NHW Committee members and provide a police NHW Liaison office to attend meetings where possible.

Page 2

Important Numbers

Always in an Emergency

Dial 000

...……..

Policelink 131444

Police 41238 111

Ambulance 131 233

Fire Brigade 4125 2133

Crime Stoppers 1800 333000

Fraser Coast Regional Council 1800 881400

Home Assist Secure Hervey Bay 4197 4332

Lifeline (Counselling) Hervey Bay 4191 3100

Hervey Bay Hospital 4120 6666

Electricity (Ergon) 131 046

Hervey Bay Taxi Cabs 131 008

My Doctor……………………………………

My Neighbours………………………………

……………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………….

Cut this out and place near your phone

CORRECTION

The wording of an on-line Petition from the Hervey Bay Foreshore Protection Group, referred to in our November newsletter contained the words

“removal, crown canopy lopping or pruning”. The words should have read “removal, crown lifting or pruning”

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET PREPARED FOR NATURAL DISASTERS:

ARE YOU READY?

Having an emergency plan is an important step towards getting your household ready to prepare for, surviving and coping with storms, floods and other emergencies. The SES has prepared a get ready guide that includes a contingency plan with FOUR easy steps.

STEP 1 Research hazards and disaster management arrangements in

your community. Ask about local emergency plans, evacuation zones and

nominated evacuation routes for where you live or work. Ask about details in emergency and evacuation plans at

workplace, school and childcare provider. Provide them with household emergency contact details.

Find out what support is available to your household via council and local support agencies.

STEP 2 Discuss possible scenarios and responses with your

household. What might happen in a storm or flood? What would you all do in the event of each emergency? How will you stay in contact? Where would you go if you need to evacuate? Are there medical conditions or special needs to be

considered? What are you going to do with your pets? STEP 3 Record details on your emergency plan. Give two out of town emergency contact numbers. Arrange two emergency meeting places should your family be

separated. Special medical requirements All tasks required prior to evacuating (storing electrical items

off the ground, switching off main supplies, sandbagging drains).

Step 4 Ensure everyone in your family is prepared. Teach children how and when to call 000 in an emergency - use

112 from mobile service. Ensure someone in the household has current first aid

certification. Ensure everyone knows where, how and when to turn off the

main power, water and gas supply in case of emergency and evacuation.

The storm season is upon us, so follow this simple four step plan and make your household ready. Don’t ever think it won’t happen to you. For more information visit this website ses.qld.gov.au.

A Good Neighbour can be as effective as a Police Patrol in protecting your home while you’re away AND ……REMEMBER… If you come home and find someone in your home or someone has broken into your home, DO NOT ENTER, do not touch anything, go next door and call the Police.

Your Anonymity is the Key Feature of the

CRIME STOPPERS SYSTEM

Phone 1800 333 000

COME TO OUR NEXT GENERAL MEETING

WHERE? Big 4 Point Vernon Caravan Park, 26 Corser Street Point Vernon

DATE? Tuesday 12th February 2013

TIME? 9.30am

WHAT? GENERAL MEETING

Maryborough Police District Website

http://www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/maryborough

We urge you to connect with the above new website.

Police will now be walking the digital beat which will enable them to connect with the community via technology such as Computers, Smart Phones and other internet devices. You may be interested to know that we are considering a move to also publish the Area 2 Newsletter via an email direct to you. This will involve the need to establish those of our over 750 members who are on-line and who would like to receive the newsletter via an email. If you would like to comment on this proposal, please email Rob Cross at robfranc@bigpond.net.au

YOUR INFORMATION COULD HELP SOLVE A CRIME Keep this form in a handy location and if you notice something suspicious, fill it in and deliver it to your local police station

A Big Thank you to the proprietors of the

BIG 4 POINT VERNON HOLIDAY PARK

for providing us with our Meeting Venue and refreshments

This Newsletter is sponsored with thanks, by

MR. TED SORENSEN.

State Member of Parliament for Hervey Bay.

CRIME REPORT NHW 2 POINT VERNON 6TH OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2012 COMPILED BY SERGEANT TRACEY MEYERS

An important message from Sgt MEYERS:

Investigations are continuing into these offences and others. Anyone with information is urged to contact police. It would appear that offenders are targeting Garages and external sheds. Residents are reminded to ensure that these are kept locked and secured at all times. Please ensure any suspicious activities are reported to police and if residents have any concerns regarding people loitering in the area please contact police immediately.

DATE LOCATION OCCURRENCE INVESTIGATION

8/10/2012 Long St. Point Vernon Burglary Offenders have entered the dwelling through an open front window before removing personal items from the residence

10/10/2012 Martin St. Point Vernon Enter with intent Offenders have entered the rear shed via an unlocked roller door before removing a quantity of tools and other items.

16/10/2012 Galatea St. Point Vernon Steal from Vehicle Offenders have removed a quantity of personal items from a vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence in Galatea Street. Vehicle was left unlocked at the time.

20/10/2012 Eddie Ct, Point Vernon Burglary Offenders have entered the residence via a closed but unlocked sliding door before removing property left just inside the entrance.

28/10/12 Martin St, Point Vernon Enter with intent Offenders have approached a rear shed to the residence where they have forced entry to the door. Offenders have removed a quantity of tools and other items including golf clubs from the garage.

01/11/2012 Murphy St, Point Vernon Steal from Dwelling Offenders have entered the residence and removed a quantity of electrical items.

6/11/2012 Martin St Point Vernon Attempted Enter with intent

Offenders have accessed the rear shed to the property and attempted to gain entry. Minor damage caused to the roller door. Nil entry gained.

15/11/2012 Kenny Way, Point Vernon Steal from vehicle Offenders have gained entry to a locked vehicle outside the residence where they have proceeded to remove the battery.

30/11/2012 Jenny Court, Point Vernon Steal from Dwelling Offenders have entered the residence via an unlocked roller door before removing a quantity of personal items from the property

16/12/2012 Mayfair St. Point Vernon Steal from Vehicle Offenders have approached an unlocked vehicle parked outside a residence and removed a quantity of personal items including medication

17/12/2012 Michelle Drive, Point Vernon Steal from Dwelling Offenders have removed a Bicycle from the front verandah of the residence. Bicycle was not locked and secured at the time.