Crime statistics released

Brisbane Water Local Area Neighbourhood Watch has reported 49 incidents at properties in Umina and Pearl Beach for the months of June and July.

According to crime statistics released in the Umina and Pearl Beach Neighbourhood Watch monthly newsletter, there were two reports of stealing at properties in Diamond Rd and Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach, in June.

It was also revealed that 11 reported break and enters occurred in Sydney Ave, Umina, in June.

Other incidents including malicious damage, robbery and stolen vehicles occurred in Dora Rd, Korina Ave, Melbourne Ave, Monash Rd, Mt Ettalong Rd, Neera Rd, Stella Rd and Sylvania Rd, Umina.

In July, statistics showed two reported incidents of malicious damage and break and enter in Coral Cres and Diamond Rd, Pearl Beach.

It was also revealed that six letterboxes were vandalised from properties in Homan Close, Umina.

Other incidents for July were recorded in Burdett Place, McLaurin Rd, Melbourne Ave, Mt Ettalong Rd, Neera Rd, Sydney Ave and Sylvania Rd, Umina.

"If you hear any strange noises at night (like the letterbox vandals) please check it out and if you see anything strange going on at your place or your neighbour's places ring Woy Woy Police," area coordinator Ms Michelle Hinwood said.

"We could take a lesson from the permanent residents of Pearl Beach.

"Prior to 2004, Pearl Beach had many more incidents in their crime statistics than they do today. "The residents there believe this improvement is assisted by our police being more mobile now and also partly because there is only one road in and out of Pearl Beach.

"Outside of holiday periods there are a significant number of vacant properties, and the community has developed a strong culture of permanent residents watching over vacant properties for absent owners.

"When strangers do appear, many residents note the fact as well as the details of the cars the strangers may drive.

"In October last year, Gosford Police area command inspector Garry Groves stated the importance of getting to know your neighbours, even if they are only there occasionally and particularly so if they are elderly, living alone and without much local support."

Newsletter, 23 Aug 2008 Michelle Hinwood, Neighbourhood Watch