Coordinator’s Corner Philip W Brown 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023. Here’s to looking up to a healthier and safer year, that includes less crime committed on our patch. Not only will our crime rates look healthier, but mostly that with due diligence, and some old common-sense, residents keep an eye out for each other. 

Reviewing the December crime statistics within the Ryde Police Command it is clear that some of the recorded incidents could have well been prevented without any extra expense or time to the victims. 

As an example; “Stealing from Vehicles” or losing valuables from a vehicle should just not be happening. Near on 50% of theft from vehicles is because the vehicle has not been securely locked or items are on ‘display’ on the seat, console or floor. 

Tradies leaving tools and equipment unlocked for convenience sake on the job are risking their livelihood if tools are stolen and consequently contributing to added premium costs on their insurance. There is also the unproductive “lost and down” time obtaining or chasing up replacing equipment, making insurance claims as well as  having that guilt feeling of “if only I had locked up”. 

Most vehicles now have remote locking devices and yet it is easy to accidently “unlock” a vehicle whilst walking away from a parked vehicle. A double check or second click on “lock” takes only seconds, however time to replace valuables once stolen takes  much, much longer time.  Tips to prevent theft of, or from your vehicle.

• Always take your keys/device with you when exiting and leaving the vehicle.
• Look at your vehicle to observe the indicator lights display it has been locked.
• Once for locking, twice for unlocking. - To be sure, to be sure.

Vehicle Insurance – (Read the fine print). 

Are you aware that you are not covered under any section of your policy for damage, loss, cost or legal liability that is caused by, or arises from, or involves:  Alcohol, drugs, medication? 

An incident occurring when your car is being driven by, or is in the charge of, anyone who: 

• was under the influence of, or had their judgement affected by, any alcohol, drug or medication; 
• had more than the legal limit for alcohol or drugs in their breath, blood, saliva or urine as shown by analysis; 
• refused to take a test for alcohol, drugs or medication. 
• But the insurer will pay a claim: 
  • for you (but not the driver or person in charge of your car) if your car was stolen;
  • if it can be demonstrated that the above alcohol/drugs/medication intake was not a contributing factor in the incident. 
  • Source: AAMI Comprehensive car policy

    ---

    Neighbourhood Watch Ryde Meetings & Events

    Denistone Sports Club. 59 Chatham Rd Denistone

    ALL RESIDENTS WELCOME TO ATTEND

  • Wednesday 1 February 2023 7pm Public Meeting

 Wednesday 1 March 2023 7pm Public Meeting

• Saturday 1 April Anzac Park  West Ryde Easter Fair BBQ & Information stall 9:00am – 3:30-pm

  Wednesday  5 April 2023 7pm Public Meeting

  Wednesday  3 May 2023 7pm Public Meeting

  Wednesday 7 June 2023 7pm Public Meeting

  ---

  Tolerance – A BRIDGE TOO FAR?

  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  It is just not acceptable, Not at all.

  In 2023 it is time to call out what has been too readily part of the Aussie culture of not standing up to the scourge of families becoming involved in physical and verbal abuse such as bullying , intimidation, shaming and excessive control tactics.  In our past it was typical behaviour not to want to get involved or stand up to the perpetrators for a variety of reasons or excuses. Reporting was not encouraged, or in many cases, possible, as the legislation and support systems were not in place or available. BUT not anymore. 

  Today more than ever the police are being trained in the issues of domestic violence and how to respond to defuse and handle a variety of situations. When called or attending to a reported incident the police have body cameras that record “live” what is happening as well as recording statements and actions of perpetrators, and victims and police.

  It is time for our society to refuse to accept domestic violence as part of our daily culture.

  It may not be happening directly in “our” immediate family, yet the  latest statistics show that it is more common than we want to believe and closer to home than we think. 

  Domestic violence is the second highest recorded criminal incidents statistics in NSW with only FRAUD taking out the top spot. And that has changed due to the ease of conning people out of their money, valuables and possessions with  the high use of the Internet and lack of risk assessment by most victims. 

  Residents are reminded that too many victims of domestic violence could have been saved from becoming a victim if only someone else had reported the incident to the police or a trusted person to intervene where safe to do so. 

  Not wanting to know, is not an excuse for turning a ‘blind eye’ as not being ‘any of our business’. It is our business because it is happening on our patch. Let’s take a stand collectively that 2023 is the year we as a community assist those in most need. SPEAK UP and REPORT  the perpetrators or the incident. Let the police do their job and we as a community work together to reduce the mental and physical hurt  that others are experiencing.

  ---

  Christmas Family Nite

  NHW Ryde conducted a BBQ at Gladesville Bunnings Store on Thursday 8 December 2022 in conjunction with the Bunnings Christmas family Nite as part of our NHW awareness campaign  in the East Ryde, Gladesville and Putney areas. We also provided safety information at our stall in conjunction with a NSW Police Highway Patrol vehicle on display allowing for photo opportunities for kids and parents to get behind the wheel  of the Highway patrol vehicle.

  NHW Ryde also conducted an information stall  at the Bunnings Family Nite at Rydalmere store with ‘out of area’ residents eager to know more about the NHW programme and how to get involved & protect their homes from theft.

  NHW – Creating Safer Communities

  ---

  Home again, DID YOU ENJOY YOUR TRIP.

• NOW watch out for trip hazards at home and local streets - *Tips to prevent trips*

• Footpath hazards include uneven surfaces
• Misaligned footpath sections
• Broken edges and tiles
• Tree roots and leaf vegetation
• Overgrown vegetation onto pathways
• Potholes in roadways
• Missing tiles on steps and stairs
• Abandoned market grocery trolleys
• Temporary footpath makeshift repairs
• Slippery surfaces - especially during & after rain

  ---

  DENISTONE - Mugger apprehended by Police

  A local resident was walking her two dogs near Denistone Station (off West Parade) at 7pm Wednesday 18 January 2023 and was mugged by a male person who then jumped on a train to Eastwood. She provided a good description of the offender to the Police. Quick action by Ryde Police resulted in apprehending the offender. 

  Residents are advised that with Denistone train station lift installation and construction upgrading still in progress, local streets Kinson Crescent and Anthony Road will be much busier with people returning back to work and a new school year. 

  Please be on the lookout for suspicious activities and remain alert, including increased traffic and less parking availability near railway stations.

  ---

  Been on Holidays ?

  Kids are back at School,

• so are the 40kmph zones.

• SLOW DOWN in School Zones,

• Being over the speed limit can be very costly, in $ & points

New Year’s Resolution

Exercise -YES, Help Community -  YES,  Help reduce crime in our area – YES, 

Help NHW, no, maybe, YES, of course I can.  Still looking for a few more residents, needed in each of:

 May St, Doomben Ave, Ethel St, Wingate Ave, Central Ave & Midson Rd. EASTWOOD

Church St, Porter , Belmore Rd, Devlin St, Hermitage St, Addington Ave, Arthur St

Just half an hour plus and only six times/year to hand deliver our NHW Region newsletter.

Please advise your contacts by email to: 

neighbourhoodwatchryde@outlook.com

or reply on our Website at: NHWRyde.com.au

NHW – Creating Safer Communities

Why do criminals target specific houses ?

Criminals, like most people are motivated by needs, desires, and the probable costs and benefits of behaviour. 

With few exceptions, offenders don’t want to be caught or punished. Nor do they want to invest significant time and energy in crime if the risks of being caught are high and the returns are low.

It is no accident that a burglar often targets one or two homes in a street and leave the rest, armed robbers choose targets with clear escape routes and car thieves consistently favour certain shopping centres, commuter car parks and specific streets.

Criminals, in other words, often make choices about what, when and who their next victim will be.

Will your home or business be a likely target?

Reduce the opportunity for criminals to cause havoc and the chance of becoming a victim by being proactive in crime prevention, not just reactive after the event. Review your home security NOW