With the Christmas holiday period all but knocking at our door, Corowa and Rutherglen Police see this as a suitable time to remind their constituents of the need to keep their property secure.
“Gone are the days of leaving the front or rear door open, the keys in the car and the car unlocked,” Corowa Sergeant Steve Marshall told The Free Press.
“The Christmas period brings old residents back to town to see their families, we have tourists visiting the area and we have the criminal elements passing through as they travel the Riverina Highway and Murray Valley Highway between major NSW and Victorian towns.
“Whether you live on the east coast of NSW, in the major cities of Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong or in the outback of NSW, this period of the year always coincides with a spike in property and alcohol-related crime offences and as such police are rostered in greater numbers to respond.”
Most of these crimes are opportunistic and can be prevented by simple measures according to Sgt. Marshall.
He said recent stolen motor vehicles in the area have been as a result of owners of vehicles leaving their keys in the ignition overnight.
“With these types of crime being so opportunistic, you may as well put a sign on the vehicle, ‘PLEASE STEAL ME’, ” Sgt. Marshall said.
As a result of recent thefts, Corowa and Rutherglen Police are encouraging residents to help local police by ensuring that they secure their property.
“When you leave your vehicle, make sure all the windows are up and the doors are locked. Even check the doors,” Sgt. Marshall said.
“When you get inside your house, secure your car keys in a safe place and before you go to bed, make sure that you lock your doors.
“This advice isn’t given to scare or raise alarm. We still have very safe communities however from time to time, people pass through and because we are relaxed with our security, they target our community. Don’t give them the opportunity.”
Rutherglen Police Sergeant Mick Savage totally endorsed his neighbouring sergeant’s advice.
“We also request that the communities be proactive in reporting suspicious behaviour in and around both towns,” Sgt. Savage said.
“Given the vast areas that both Rutherglen Police and Corowa/Howlong Police serve, we need residents to be our eyes and ears from time to time.
“If you see or hear anything police do not hesitate to contact Rutherglen Police on (02) 6032 9612 or Corowa Police on (02) 6932 2899.
“This provides a perfect segue to both stations’ accessibility.
“At any time both stations may not be manned due to police being out on patrol in their vast sectors.
“If that is the case, residents are requested to stay on the line as both stations transfer the calls to the head station with Corowa Police Station transferring to Albury Police Station and Rutherglen Police Station transferring to Wodonga Police Station.”
Sergeant Marshall re-iterated his previous words:“I have said this before, your calls are important to us and I hate hearing various comments that we are never working. That is not the case,” he said.
“If you cannot get through to us ring straight through to Albury Police Station on (02) 6023 9299 and similarly Rutherglen residents ring Wodonga (02) 6049 2600.
“Naturally if the matter is one that requires immediate police attendance, ring 000.”
Lastly Corowa Police and Rutherglen Police would like to wish all of our communities a safe and Merry Christmas.
“Take care on our roads and our waterways and be rest assured we will be out there trying to keep you safe,” they concluded.
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