Christmas time is the season of opportunity for brazen thieves looking to take advantage of unsuspecting residents.
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In light of a spate of thefts from premises, vehicles, caravans and campsites in recent weeks, Manning Great Lakes Police District wants the community to be vigilant and protect valuable personal items and Christmas gifts.
Manning Great Lakes Police District crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Rod Blackman said thieves wait for the right time to strike.
“Most theft, particularly from motor cars, is opportunistic. As such, cash, credit cards and small items of value are often taken.
“It is mostly about opportunity, people are out and about, shopping, buying presents and can be complacent.
“Being a little more vigilant, and reporting suspicious or unusual behaviour is a great way to avoid being targeted,” Inspector Blackman said.
Inspector Blackman encouraged residents to ensure vehicles were always locked and valuables not left inside.
“If you have to leave valuables in the car, remove them from sight, for example lock them in the boot,” Inspector Blackman said.
Inspector Blackman said installing motion sensor lights, lights on timers and CCTV systems would reduce the risk of theft from your home.
But perhaps the best preventative measure is neighbourhood watch.
“The more good eyes in your neighbourhood willing to report suspicious or unusual behaviour the better,” Inspector Blackman said.
Inspector Blackman highlighted the use of social media to help with investigations.
He also stressed residents shouldn’t take the law into their own hands.
“Social media has become, in many respects, a new form of neighbourhood watch and can be positively used to assist in preventing or solving crimes.
“Having said that, police will always have the responsibility of dealing with offenders and as such, vigilantism is seriously discouraged.
“If people have knowledge or evidence of a crime being committed then reporting it to police is the best course of action. Leave the rest to us,” Inspector Blackman said.
To report a theft, call Taree Police Station on 6552 0399 or Forster Police Station on 6555 1299.