Cap Coast crime round

By Trish Bowman

Yeppoon Police have commended the community for listening to the message ‘lock it or lose it’ after only one incident of crime was reported on the Capricorn Coast last week.

Yeppoon Police Senior Sergeant Neville Zarkovich said Police had one report of a stolen vehicle from the roadway in Arthur Street in Yeppoon this week which is still under investigation.

"While we would love to have no reports of crime at all, we are very pleased that the message is getting through to the community about the need to safely secure homes and vehicles. Snr Sgt Zarkovich said.

"Police have the greatest of empathy for those affected by crime but taking preventative measures makes all the difference.

"I can't stress enough, business owners and householders alike need to ensure they secure their property and businesses well, ensure car and home keys are stored well out of sight and call Policelink with any reports of incidents of crime or suspicious behaviour."

If you have any information that may aide Police in their investigations or need to report a crime, call Policelink on 131 444 or go to your local Police Station during working hours.

Crime prevention at home

• Ensure doors are always locked with a key even when you are home.

• Ensure all external doors, including your internal garage door, are solid and fitted with quality locks. Deadlocks are advised.

• Consider fitting security screen doors.

• Fit secure locks to your windows and never leave the keys in the window lock.

• Consider installing an alarm system and security camera system that covers all external doors, windows and garage.

• Always ensure car and house keys, mobile phones, handbags and wallets are stored out of sight.

• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility into and out of your property and your house number is clearly visible.

• Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden implements. Always keep your garage or shed door closed and locked with a key.

• Consider installing perimeter security lighting including sensor lights.

• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Group at www.nhwq.org.

Vehicle security

• Park your vehicle in well-lit and highly visible areas.

• Wherever possible, use off street parking or secured parking.

• When parking in a garage, ensure both the garage and vehicle are locked and the garage door remotes are secured.

• Avoid marking your keys with personal or vehicle details such as name, phone number or vehicle registration.

• Consider installing a car alarm or steering wheel lock to help protect your vehicle.

• Use lockable devices to help keep your vehicle secure including lockable fuel caps, wheel nuts, spare tyre covers and roof racks.

• Consider installing a remote engine immobiliser.

• Consider installing a GPS tracker to your vehicle.

• Always lock your vehicle, including the boot and sunroof, and remember to fully close all windows.

• Always keep your keys out of sight.

• Remove keys from the ignition and lock your vehicle if unattended.

• Never hide spare keys on or in the vehicle.

• Remove all valuables and personal items when leaving your car unattended, or ensure they are of out of sight.

• Take your vehicle keys with you whenever you are going out, even if you are leaving your vehicle at home.

Report all crime to Police.