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Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter for August. Morwell Police Service Area.

Advise for Partygoers, Chat Rooms, Marking Property for Identification.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 25th August 2010 - Back to News

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter for August

Morwell Police Service Area

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

If you know anything which might help police solve or prevent a crime, Phone Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24

Call SES 132 500

Party goers:

When you are invited to a party, do not spread the invitation to other people.

Try not to bring your own alcoholic drinks to the party unless you have been asked to. Be sensible about the amount of alcohol you take, and consider taking an extra bottle of soft drink or fruit juice instead.

Set up a buddy system with one of your friends so you can look out for each other.

If you are driving to the party, car pool with a few friends and appoint a designated driver - this person will not consume any alcohol at the party making sure you get home safely.

Party hosts

As a host, it is your responsibility to ensure your guests party safely. Make sure your plans include the following:

• Make it clear that entrance to your party is by invitation only – this will discourage gatecrashing.
• State clearly on your invitation the start and finish time for your party.
• Display your Partysafe door poster to warn potential gatecrashers and reassure guests that police are aware the party is being held.
• Parental/Adult supervision will help keep trouble at a minimum.
• Advise your neighbours in advance of your upcoming function.
• Plan what to do if a guest becomes sick or intoxicated.
• Keep noise to a minimum – locate speakers as far from other neighbours as possible.

Chat rooms:

The Internet is part of the lives of many people and provides them with the opportunity to meet and communicate with people from all over the world. However, online technology and new modes of communication have also been used by predators and sex offenders to exploit and harm children.

While offering great opportunities for children to learn and play, there are some areas of cyberspace that are not appropriate. Parents need to ensure children are actively supervised when using the Internet and chatting online.

Property marking:

Marking your items clearly identifies them as your property. Property marking will deter burglars by making it difficult for them to dispose of your goods and help police return them to you.

Here are a few tips on how to identify your property:

Use an engraver to mark items on your inventory list.

• Engravers may be available for loan from your nearest Neighbourhood Watch group.
• Take photographs or videotape items that can't be engraved such as jewellery, watches, silverware, collectables, stamp and coin collections, furs, antiques, paintings and furniture.
• Put a ruler or matchbox beside each item to show its size.
• Mark your property with your driver's licence number with the letter 'V'.
• Fill out a Property Identification Form from your local police station so police will have your code if your property is stolen.
• Stickers are available from Neighbourhood Watch to show your property has been marked - display these stickers on your property and in prominent places around the house.

Property inventory:

• Compile a detailed inventory of your property.
• Record the serial numbers, makes, models, colour & size of specific items.
• Keep the inventory in a safe place away from home and update it when you get new property.

Property Marking In Rural Area’s

• Use metal engravers or stamps to mark all tools, vehicles, machinery and equipment with your driver’s licence number followed by "V" for your State.
• Paint an iridescent coloured spot on all tools, equipment and machinery. If stolen goods are found in the same district, police can quickly identify them. You will still need your licence number in a hidden location to link it to you.
• A complete list of property and stock should be maintained with descriptions of the colour, serial numbers, unique markings, ID numbers etc.
• Store chemicals and fertilisers in a separate locked storage area. Keep an inventory of chemicals with the full product name, description of container, formulation type, batch number, manufacturer’s name and expiry dates. Post warning signs on or near storage facilities containing farm chemicals.

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

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

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