KEEP your loot in the boot – that’s the advice from local police as they continue their fight against thefts from motor vehicles.
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Bathurst police took their campaign to the people this week with a community engagement event in the Stockland Shopping Centre.
Chifley Local Area Command crime prevention officer Senior Constable Sue Rose – assisted by staff from Bathurst Regional Council and Volunteers in Policing – spoke to people about crime prevention strategies and ways they can protect their property.
The focus of the community engagement event was not leaving valuables in your car, which police say is a magnet for thieves.
Senior Constable Rose said most thefts from vehicles were crimes of opportunity, which were easily avoidable by using common sense and not leaving wallets, phones, computers or any other item of value in view in your car.
Car air fresheners – designed to remind people not to leave items behind in the car – were handed out, along with brochures on home and business safety.
The air fresheners were a joint initiative between Chifley Local Area Command and council’s Community Safety Committee.
Senior Constable Rose said plenty of people took the opportunity to get an air freshener and come and ask questions about how they can reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.
“If people can’t take valuables with them, we advise them to put them in the boot, out of sight,” she said.
If people missed out on collecting their free car air freshener they are still available in the reception area of Bathurst Regional Council.
Senior Constable Rose said she also fielded questions from home owners about the security features they already have in place and what they can do in the future to stop thieves breaking in.
Senior Constable Rose said anyone with questions about crime prevention can contact her at Bathurst police station on 6332 8699.