5 July 2013

Police targeting schools, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting during holiday period

| Barcham
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We’ve received two releases from ACT Policing detailing their efforts to keep the peace during the holiday period.

ACT Policing will target criminal and anti-social behaviour at ACT schools in the upcoming school term break, as part of ‘Operation School Safe’.

Traditionally school premises have been targeted for property offences such as burglary, graffiti and vandalism during holiday breaks. Police will be increasing patrols of schools during the holidays, and are asking residents to remain alert around their local area.

During the last financial year 156 school-related property offences were reported to police. These included 131 instances of property damage, 13 fires and 12 complaints of graffiti.

Officer-in-Charge of Tuggeranong Police Station Sergeant Daryl Neit said the community are the eyes and ears for police, and play an active role in ensuring our education facilities are protected.

“The community can expect to see extra police around our schools during the school holidays, but we need residents who live near schools to be extra vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, give police a call,” Sergeant Neit said.

“Damage and thefts from our schools is detrimental to our whole community. Mindless criminal acts from a few individuals have a real effect on the ability of schools to provide our children an adequate education”.

If you see anyone committing an offence or acting suspiciously around a school, contact Police Operations on 131 444. Alternatively, you can report any incidents to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. This information can be provided anonymously.

You can become involved in protecting your local community by joining your local branch of Neighbourhood Watch. Go to www.nhwact.com.au for more information.

[Courtesy of ACT Policing]


Canberra shoppers can expect a greater police presence in retail districts over the next two weeks, as ACT Policing focuses on theft and anti-social behaviour during the upcoming school holidays.
School holidays see an increase in traffic through shopping centres, leading to a higher incidence of shoplifting. During the 2012-13 financial year, 278 people were apprehended by ACT Policing for theft from a retail premises. 92 of these people were under the age of 18. During the 2011-12 financial year 246 people were apprehended, with 100 under 18.

Officer-in-Charge of Tuggeranong Police station Sergeant Daryl Neit hopes an increased police presence will assist in deterring potential shoplifters.

“Local police are working closely with loss prevention officers to ensure anyone found shoplifting is apprehended. Shoplifting is a crime, and we won’t tolerate anyone thinking it’s acceptable to steal”, Sergeant Neit said.

“Parents need to know where their children are, and what they’re doing. They need to take an active role in ensuring their children aren’t committing criminal offences”.

ACT Policing provides a free service to local businesses, offering hints and tips on how to protect your business from crime. To speak to one of our Business Liaison Officers, contact ACT Policing on (02) 6256 7777.
You can become involved in protecting your local community by joining your local branch of Neighbourhood Watch. Go to www.nhwact.com.au for more information.

[Courtesy of ACT Policing]

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Looks like the kiddies started early. Has two eggs thrown at my house yesterday! Never realised what a bastard thing it is to clean up, needed the pressure cleaner to clean the yolk of the drive, and the smell is still there a day latter.

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