The combined Neighbourhood Watch Week and Crime Prevention Week, that ran during 7 to 13 November saw informative crime prevention events being held at multiple Bunnings stores and other shopping precincts across South Australia.  Many NHW groups and SA Police from the Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Districts along with Barossa, Eyre and Western, Murray Mallee and Limestone Coast Local Service Areas participated.

NHW volunteers, SA Police and members from Crime Stoppers actively engaged with shoppers and staff and provided them with crime prevention material on topics that ranged from home and vehicle security, scams awareness, bushfire prevention and retail theft prevention.  Many shoppers advised they had already taken crime prevention measures by installing external security lighting and CCTV cameras around their homes, and many said they were impressed with the home security booklet being distributed, which includes a really useful property record and home security checklist.

Coffee and breakfast was provided by Bunnings at various ‘Tradies Week’ crime prevention stalls that SA Police held.  Tool theft was a key topic of discussion and tradies were reminded of the importance of marking/engraving, photographing and adequately securing their tools to prevent tool theft.

Members from Limestone Coast Local Service Area also attended the ‘Sheep Technology Expo’ held in Penola, where Superintendent HILL conducted an informative presentation to an audience of approximately 80 people on rural crime and rural security.  Crime trends relating to diesel, stock and tool thefts were discussed as well as highlighting the importance of reporting rural crime to police.  The usefulness of having a CCTV system which provides high quality images was discussed and how such material can support the identification and prosecution of offenders.  Members from the Limestone Coast Crime Prevention Section spoke to farmers on the importance of securing their vehicles and homes when unattended, and community members were encouraged to utilise the NHW stickers not only on their council bins but also on their water/feed tanks and sheds as a crime deterrent.

For more crime prevention information visit https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crime-prevention-and-security/safety-and-security-tips and if you would like to find and join your local NHW group go online https://www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw/home/local-information

Don’t forget to follow NHW SA on social media too!  https://www.facebook.com/NeighbourhoodWatchSA/