We were delighted to meet our new Crime Prevention Liason Officer, Sergeant Martin Webb, who talked to the group about his role and the rearrangement of policing in the area. Helensvale is now under the Coomera District, not Surfer's Paradise, as previously.
There is a drive to combat graffiti throughout the District, and the public are urged to contact the police or the Graffiti Hotline, and if possible, photograph the tags. The Coordinator had earlier sent some photographs of graffiti in the Pedestrian Link Park via email to the Hotline, and got an immediate response. Because some were on private property, and this needed the owner's consent for the Council to help with removal, it was decided to visit these houses to ask the residents to ring the Council to give permission. Some of the properties were tenanted, further complicating the process, but one tenant spoken to did show concern and agreed to contact his landlord. It is essential to report graffiti as soon as possible.
The Hotline number is 5581 7998, and their email is graffiti@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
The Council will give free cleaning solvents to property-owners, and will help with removal where householders are unable to do this themselves.
Still on the subject of graffiti, a phone call from a resident in our area reported that her garden had been visited in the night by "graffitists", and her patio furniture sprayed with black paint. She wanted the NHW to alert people to the fact that private property had been invaded, taking graffiti to a new low! If anyone else has a similar experience, PLEASE let the police know on 5519 5555, or phone me on 5580 1264. We need to know if this was a single incident or a new trend.
The crime figures were of concern. The number of burglaries and thefts from houses/garages etc has increased. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO LOCK DOORS, LOCK CARS INSIDE GARAGES, SECURE WINDOWS AND DON'T LET IN ANY CALLERS AT THE DOOR. Talk to them through the (locked)safety-door. If working in the back yard, lock up the front doors and windows.
Sgt Webb spoke about his experiences in different areas of police work, and answered questions about his new role. There were the usual refreshments served, whilst people had an opportunity to socialise or raise issues privately. Apart from technical hitches with the projector, the meeting went well.
The next meeting is on 20th May in the Community Centre North Hall at 7pm.
