Chamber backs police on crime initiatives

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its confidence in the NSW Police Force following recent meetings with Brisbane Water Police Commander Darryl Jobson to discuss incidences of youth crime in the area.

“Our local businesses remain concerned over the level of youth crime on the Peninsula”, Chamber President Matthew Wales said.

“Although it is acknowledged that the NSW Police Force have responded quickly when required and have made numerous arrests in recent months.

“We have had several reported disturbing incidences with young teenagers breaking into homes with weapons and the setting on fire of motor vehicles.

“The police have a difficult job dealing with youth crime only to see young offenders walk away from the courts with little or no punishment.”

Wales said Jobson recently explained to the Peninsula Chamber and other community groups that the police are fully across the situation.

“The Police are aware of community concern in relation to housebreaking incidents with Strike Force CONNECT established at Brisbane Water Police District to specifically focus on housebreaking offending which is led by one of our experienced Sergeants and staffed with Detectives, Proactive Crime Team police and supported by Intelligence Analysts,” he told the groups.

“As a Police District, we generally average between 25 to 30 incidents per month (about one per day) over a large geographical area.

“However, in January this year there was a spike at 46 incidents with Strike Force CONNECT having some immediate impact with 10 accused persons charged in January (six adults and four young persons) and put before the Court.

“Housebreaking incidents immediately dropped to 17 incidents for February and, as of March 13 we are eight for the month of March and tracking to remain low.”

Jobson said the extra measures were having a positive impact in the Peninsula area.

“Housebreaking incidents for Peninsula suburbs have decreased when comparing financial year to date (July 24 to Feb 25) with 50 incidents recorded compared to the same time last year (July 23 to Feb 24) when there were 87 incidents, a reduction of 37 incidents,” he said.

“For the same periods, most recently we have had four stolen motor vehicles from housebreaking incidents (July 24 to Feb 25) compared to 22 stolen motor vehicles from house breaking incidents (Jul 23 to Feb 24), a reduction of 18 stolen motor vehicles.

“We are driving crime down in the right direction.”

Wales said Jobson further had explained how the community can play its part, with data indicating that many premises were unlocked when housebreaking occurred.

Remember to: lock your home/car doors and have a security routine before you go to be; secure your car keys in non-obvious locations/keep your car keys separate to your vehicles; and report crime and suspicious behaviour to police.

In the case of an emergency, call Triple-Zero (000) immediately.

For non-urgent police assistance, reporting minor crime and all general inquiries, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

To report criminal activity, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.