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Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter for August 2008 Area LTB1 (NHW 130)

Underage Drinking, Fire Safety, Justices Of The Peace, Hoon Drivers, Police Crime Report.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 8th August 2008 - Back to News

Neighbourhood Watch Area LTB1, Bridle Estate.

Police Co-ordinator: Senior Constable Brett Godden, Phone 5131 5085

Next Meeting

When: Monday 18th August 2008.

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Salvation Army Hall,

Bridle Road, Morwell.

Underage Drinking:

Many health groups are concerned about the influence of pre-mixed alcohols on teenage alcohol use. These drinks known as "alcopops" are a mixture of wine or spirit with soft drink or milk, are extremely popular with underage drinkers, and the drink of choice for underage binge drinkers. Their popularity among younger teenagers has been attributed to the trendy packaging and sweet flavours, which can mask the taste of alcohol. The sweet flavours reduces the natural resistance many teenagers have to the strong taste of alcohol. This means the young drinkers can’t taste the alcohol and don’t realise how drunk they are getting.

It is difficult for parents of young teenagers to know what approach to take with alcohol. Whether to introduce your children to alcohol in an attempt to educate them to be discerning about drinking, or encourage them not to use alcohol until they reach the legal age.

A report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies concluded that:

Delaying the onset of alcohol use is associated with more moderate and less risky patterns of use in adulthood, while early onset is related to more risky patterns of use in the long term

Parental attitudes and norms towards alcohol play a considerable roll. When parents showed disapproval of alcohol use, their children were less likely to use alcohol. Conversely when parents were tolerant or permissive, their children were more likely to consume alcohol.

Once teenagers have started drinking, enhanced parental monitoring appears to be a key factor in minimising risky alcohol use. This first requires that there be a good parent-teenager relationship, with clear and consistent rules regarding alcohol use.

Fire Safety:

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade experiences an increase in house fires during the winter months, here is some good advice to avoid fires caused by electric blankets and wheat filled heat packs.

Check the electric blanket for damage especially the wiring and controls. Ensure the electric blanket is laid flat on the bed with the controls to the side of the bed. Turn the blanket on half an hour before you get into bed. Do not place heavy objects on the bed while the electric blanket is turned on, and turn off at the controls before you get into bed. Do not fold the electric blanket when storing.

Instructions on the heat packs are very important. Make sure you follow them. Place a glass of water inside the microwave when heating the pack. Leave the pack to cool after use, before storing it. Wheat filled heat packs should not be used to warm beds. Use a hot water bottle to warm your feet.

Justices of the Peace:

A Justice of the Peace is available for consultation and the witnessing of documents, at the Morwell Police Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 11am to 2pm.

Hoon Drivers:

Are a dangerous nuisance on the road. You can do your bit to help rid the community of their anti-social behaviour, by phoning the ‘HOON HOTLINE’ on 1800 333 000 (a free call from a fixed phone).

Police Crime Report for July 2008 NHW Area LTB1

Due To Privacy Considerations NOT ALL Offences For This Area ARE Listed

• 6/8/2007 Bridle Road Deception.
• 20/6/2008 Bridle Road Theft from a retail premises.
• 28/6/2008 Gabo Way Theft from the backyard of a house.
• 5/7/2008 Bridle Road Theft from a supermarket.
• 8/7/2008 Bridle Road Handling stolen goods at a house.
• 9/7/2008 The Boulevard Burglary at a house.
• 15/7/2008 Park Avenue Property damage to a house.
• 15/7/2008 Bridle Road Burglary at a retail premises.
• 23/7/2008 Oak Court from a motor vehicle.
• 26/7/2008 Bridle Road Property damage to a house.
• 27/7/2008 Gabo Way Burglary at a house.

Summary Of Stolen Items For The Above Offences

1 electrical Appliance, 5 Cash/Document, 1 Cigarettes, 11 Clothing/Liquor, 1 Household Item,

1 Jewellery, 191 Personal Property

3 Offenders Arrested For Any Reported Offence In The Area.

Remember! always report any suspicious incidents to the Police by dialling 000 (triple zero)

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au