Watch on SA Neighbourhood Watch SA Magazine Issue 14 Spring 2018
Don’t give offenders an even break
Neighbourhood Watch SA a safe and connected community
IN THIS ISSUE
From the State Coordinator Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) focuses on the concept of reducing the fear of crime by encouraging neighbours to look out for each other and communicate with each other. NHW SA achieves this by partnering with SAPOL to deliver important safety strategies that help keep the community safe and connected. To make sense of this, one might reasonably question what defines a community, what distinguishes one community from another and why aren’t these communities already connected? Some might argue that a community is formed when a group of people share a common attribute, which might be as simple as living within a geographical area; or, an online community physically isolated from each other, even scattered around the world, but connected via social media; or perhaps the sharing of a defined cultural identity, regardless of where a person lives in South Australia. In South Australia individual NHW Areas are defined by geographical boundaries and encourage residents and businesses living and operating within the area to join and participate
in local activities. Although NHW is inclusive of all people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, spirituality and disability, some of these people may be inadvertently disconnected. Reasons for disconnection could include, lack of awareness of NHW, are they comfortable enough to approach a NHW Area, or are they physically able to participate in a NHW Area? Often the answer is no. So what can be done to ensure NHW is far-reaching? One simple strategy for example, is for NHW groups to proactively approach a culturally diverse group’s community leader and offer to host an information session about NHW. This approach can also be used to connect with disability groups, religious groups, residents at aged care facilities and agencies which provide support for domestic violence victims. By connecting with diverse communities NHW will be better representative of our neighbourhoods and have a greater impact on the whole community by addressing local issues and tailoring solutions, therefore making South Australia a safer place to live.
From the State Coordinator...................... 2 President’s report..................................... 2 Operation Nomad..................................... 3 Holiday safety........................................ 4-5 Preventing break-ins................................. 5 Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.... 6 Road safety ─ the Fatal Five................... 7 An asset to the community....................... 8 In the next issue I will explore the crux of NHW business. Is it just about crime and how to prevent it? Or does it include a raft of wider issues, such as homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse, racial and homophobic hatred and other anti-social behaviours? Sergeant Phil Gurr Neighbourhood Watch SA State Coordinator South Australia Police
President’s report Last time I explained the relationship between the quarterly Neighbourhood Watch Area (NHW Area) group meetings and South Australia Police (SAPOL) in jointly running the NHW SA program. But where does the role of the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc. (NHW VASA) fit in? Still working up the ladder, the NHW Area group meetings also elect State Councillors from among their ranks, most often Area Coordinators, whose duty it is to represent not just the other coordinators, but all volunteers within their particular District or Local Service Area. Their role is to attend quarterly State Council meetings, where they also pass information in both directions, to and from the Board of Management (BoM) of NHW VASA.
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They will make representation to the BoM on matters forwarded from the NHW Area group meetings for discussion and resolution, but more importantly, they will vote on any proposals the BoM sees fit to recommend for the program (NHW SA) or for volunteers, and also will receive financial reports and others to assess and ensure good governance within the BoM. Any NHW volunteer can nominate for a position on the BoM, but only State Councillors can vote for nominees at the November AGM of the NHW VASA and Awards Presentations, after receiving a brief resume of the nominees’ credentials prior to the day. The BoM consists of an Executive headed by the President, and three other volunteer board members. The BoM seeks to engage two external (to the program) board members for their expertise in various fields.
Phil Tavender President Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc.
Operation Nomad turns up the heat on firebugs
Operation Nomad is the South Australia Police (SAPOL) response to the threat of bushfires in South Australia. This response is in support of the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), the nominated control agency for bushfire. SAPOL, through their State Community Engagement Section and local Crime Prevention members, have commenced this year’s crime prevention strategy to:
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raise community awareness
educate the community to identify deliberate, reckless and negligent acts that cause bushfires
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encourage the reporting of suspicious behaviour to police.
From September 2018 through to May 2019 there will be a highly visible police presence in all high fire risk areas. Police will also be demonstrating a zero tolerance approach to any breach of fire laws throughout this period. Community engagement activities and education will also be occurring, with Neighbourhood Watch and other community service groups helping to highlight the SAPOL message throughout the Fire Danger Season. This year, for the first time Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary and the South Australian Country Women’s Association are helping with distribution of SAPOL’s fact sheets. SAPOL can also provide fire prevention fact sheets and presentations for your community. Go to www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crimeprevention-and-security/safety-and-security-tips to download your copy.
Your responsibilities Think about your actions around anything that is flammable or has the potential to cause a fire, such as:
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campfires BBQs power tools vehicles on long grass lawn mowing/slashing harvesting (see grain harvesting code of practice, available from your local Crime Prevention Section).
You can help! If you see anything suspicious immediately call 131 444 – Police Assistance line. Helpful details if you see suspicious behaviour are:
• • • •
location and if person is still there vehicle details and any identifying features description of person acting suspicious anyone else present or who may have also seen the behaviour.
Please don’t get involved or try and stop them – your safety is important to us! ‘Community’ means the whole state and people venturing into or through high fire risk areas can play a part in reporting deliberate, reckless or negligent behaviour. Bushfires start when we stop paying attention. Further information about what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Season is available on the CFS website: www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/bans_and_ratings/what_can_i_do_what_cant_i_ do.jsp
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Holiday safety
Holidays are a time to relax, visit family and friends and spend time outdoors. Whether you are staying in a hotel, motel, hostel, caravan park or at a campsite, please consider the following safety and security tips to have a happy holiday. Accommodation security
Personal safety
• Be aware of your new surroundings and take note of emergency plans.
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Always tell your family and friends of your travel plans and provide them with your itinerary so they know where you are and how to contact you in an emergency.
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Where possible, travel with a friend or in a group.
• Secure valuable items in a safe. If there is no safe, take them with you.
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Maintain regular contact with your family or friends, so they know you are safe.
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Keep your mobile phone charged and in your possession, as you may require it in an emergency.
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Don’t carry large amounts of money. Only carry what you need for the day. Walk confidently and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Use the appropriate pedestrian crossings and footpaths and walk against the flow of traffic. Never hitch-hike or accept a ride with strangers.
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Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when going out for a short time.
Take your keys with you. Do not hide them.
Vehicle security •
Keep your keys in a safe location. Do not hide them in your car, caravan or boat.
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Remove valuable items such as GPS devices, mobile phones, laptops and cameras.
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Secure and lock all doors and windows.
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• Remove fishing rods, tackle boxes and eskies from boats and trailers. •
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Securely attach trailers and boats to a vehicle or a solid fixture when not in use.
Water activities
Road safety
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Be aware of water safety issues at the beach or at the river including rips and currents, maritime safety and the dangers of marine life.
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Plan your trip. Drive on major roads and don’t take shortcuts.
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When at the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags and know your limits.
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Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you have sufficient fuel.
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Interstate and overseas visitors must carry a current driver’s licence when driving in South Australia.
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Always drive with your doors locked.
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Never pick up hitch-hikers.
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In Australia, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road.
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When driving long distances, share the driving and stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
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On open roads the speed limit in South Australia is 100 km/h unless otherwise signposted.
• Never leave valuable items unattended or under a beach towel. Use a watertight container or leave your items secured in your holiday home.
Bushwalking •
Plan your walk.The Alert SA website provides you with access to an all hazards information directory providing direct links to critical sources of useful hazard and emergency information.
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Never travel alone.
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Make sure everyone with you is able to complete the walk.
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In built-up areas the speed limit in South Australia is 50 km/h unless otherwise signposted.
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Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
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You and your passengers must wear a seatbelt.
• Take enough food, water, suitable clothing and basic emergency items.
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Do not exceed the prescribed concentration of alcohol for your class of driver’s licence (0.05 for holders of a full driver’s licence).
• It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle while being under the influence of a drug, or having a prohibited drug in your oral fluid or blood. •
It is an offence to drive while using a mobile phone.
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You must wear an approved helmet that is correctly fitted and fastened when riding motor bikes, bicycles and wheeled recreational devices such as rollerblades, skateboards and scooters.
Don’t give offenders an even break Serious Criminal Trespass (SCT) is the term SAPOL uses to describe break-ins, whether it is into your home, your shed or other outbuilding, or business premises. As well as the monetary value of replacing stolen items and the inability to replace items of sentimental value, the thought that an uninvited person has been inside your home and rifled through your belongings can have an enormous and lasting psychological impact. But you can take a few simple steps to make life difficult for offenders.
Many SCT offences are committed by opportunist offenders who seek out soft targets, where doors and windows have been left open or insecure. This allows the offender to simply walk or climb inside your home, shed or business. At home this can happen very quickly, even while you’re out the back doing some gardening.
Sometimes a determined offender will not be deterred, but by getting into the habit of taking simple precautions like locking doors and windows, securing garden tools and letting neighbours know when you are going to be away, you will reduce the risk of your property being broken into.
For the more determined offender who is willing to force an entry through a locked door or window, don’t make things easier for them by leaving garden tools and ladders lying around. If you are going away on holidays, let your neighbours know so they can be alert to any suspicious activity while you are away.
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Reducing the threat of domestic violence The statistics are damning. At least 35 South Australians have died as a result of domestic and family violence since mid-2010 and about 25 000 domestic violence matters are reported to SAPOL each year. One in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and across the nation at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner. Domestic and family violence is a growing epidemic. SAPOL has been at the forefront of the response to this insidious crime with initiatives such as the Family and Domestic Violence Section, Multi-Agency Protection Service (MAPS) and the Family Safety Framework. Members are also co-located and working closely with agency partners at the Multi-Agency Assessment Unit and Multi-Agency Hub. SAPOL is now playing a significant role in the 12-month trial of the new Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS). Launched on 2 October 2018, the scheme allows South Australians worried they may be at risk of domestic or family violence to apply to SAPOL to ascertain if their current or former partner has a history of violence. A similar scheme called ‘Clare’s Law’ was introduced to the United Kingdom in 2013 after the brutal 2009 murder of Clare Wood by her violent and obsessive ex-boyfriend. She had no knowledge of his criminal past involving two prison terms for offences against women. Officer in Charge of Family and Domestic Violence Section, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Humby said the DVDS is designed to reduce the escalation of domestic violence and abuse. “It enables earlier intervention by strengthening the ability of police and other agencies to provide appropriate support to those at risk,” he said.
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“Information disclosed may include convictions for physical and sexual assault, property damage, stalking and unlawful threats, and also charges for such offences which were dropped or acquitted. “Current and historical intervention orders, including breaches, along with convictions for relevant offences committed outside of South Australia are also included.” The DVDS introduces recognised and consistent procedures for disclosing information.
“Information disclosed is confidential and assurances sought that details of the meeting will not be provided to the person causing the concerns.” A similar scheme currently being trialled in New South Wales is credited with saving more than 50 people at risk of violence. “The South Australian trial will draw upon what has been learnt from the UK and NSW schemes to ensure that the DVDS meets community expectations,” Detective Chief Inspector Humby said.
“An application may be made by anyone in South Australia who is aged 17 years or over and has legitimate concerns about their safety in relation to a current or former intimate partner, where there is ongoing contact. It is not an emergency response service and is not designed for members of the public wanting to report criminal or high-risk behaviour. If that is the case, other reporting mechanisms apply,” Detective Chief Inspector Humby said.
“We have worked closely with our partner agencies including the Office for Women, Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA), and the Attorney General’s Department in the development of this initiative. Their continued participation remains crucial to the scheme’s success.”
“An application may also be made by a third party such as a friend, relative or professional working with the family.
“The DVDS enables early identification of potentially violent relationships. It allows people to recognise patterns of controlling or abusive behaviour and make informed decisions relating to the risk to them and their children and safety within that relationship,” she said.
“The disclosed information will allow the person at risk to make an informed decision about their safety and take appropriate action.” Applications for disclosure are available on the SAPOL website and if anyone has issues with internet access or otherwise has difficulty completing the form they may seek assistance at a police station. “The disclosure will only be provided verbally, with police and a specialist domestic and family violence worker present at all disclosures to ensure that the person at risk is provided with appropriate levels of support and safety planning,” Detective Chief Inspector Humby said.
Chief Executive Officer of WSSSA, Maria Hagias welcomes the introduction of the DVDS.
WSSSA provides specialist domestic violence support to applicants receiving a disclosure from SAPOL including assessments of risk, safety planning, domestic violence counselling and referral to specialised support services. “The scheme enables individuals to access services they may not have previously been connected with and promotes a multi-agency response to domestic violence,” Ms Hagias said. Further details about the DVDS can be found on the SAPOL website at www.police.sa.gov. au/your-safety/dvds
Road safety ─ The Fatal Five The Fatal Five are the main contributing factors creating trauma on our roads. Understanding the dangers, changing behaviour and making the right choices will greatly reduce the impact a crash can have on families, friends and the community. Speeding
Dangerous road users
Speeding is one of the major causes of death and serious injury on South Australian roads. The speed of a vehicle affects the risk of a crash occurring and the severity of injuries likely to be sustained. Research shows that even a small change in speed can make a big difference in road trauma.
Dangerous road users put everyone at risk and include those people who have a blatant disregard for the road rules. This behaviour involves street racing, burnouts, drifting or reckless driving.
The risk of a casualty crash almost doubles with every 5 km/h increase in speed on a 60 km/h speed limited road, or with every 10 km/h increase in speed on a 110 km/h speed limited road.
Penalties include a loss of licence, vehicle impounded for 28 days and fines, and possible imprisonment if there is a serious injury or fatality.
Drink and drug driving Seatbelts Seatbelts are a primary safety feature of a motor vehicle and if worn correctly, will substantially reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. In a crash, a person who is not restrained will continue to travel forward at the pre-impact speed until something stops them. This could be the steering wheel, dashboard or windscreen. Always ensure seatbelts are adjusted and worn correctly. A poorly adjusted seatbelt will increase the risk of serious injury or possible death in the event of a crash. The driver is also responsible to ensure all passengers wear their seatbelts. Fines and a three demerit point penalty apply.
Drink and drug driving are other major contributors to death and serious injury on South Australian roads. Alcohol and drugs reduce your ability to drive safely. Common effects include slow reaction time, poor judgement and coordination, impaired vision and hearing as well as over-confidence. Always have a plan to arrive home safely. Arranging a designated driver, catching public transport, having someone to pick you up or staying the night are all safer options. Penalties include loss of licence, having your vehicle impounded and possible imprisonment. For more information on road safety go to www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/road-safety
Distraction Distraction is a major cause of crashes on our roads. Driving is a complex task that requires coordination of a wide range of skills. Drivers become distracted when using mobile phones, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, smoking, applying make-up and using audio equipment. Mobile phones are a large contributing factor of distraction in a motor vehicle. Fines apply when using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle on the road, which includes being stationary at traffic lights or road works. Fines and a three demerit point penalty applies.
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Events calendar Band of the South Australia Police - Twilight Concert Join Willunga Neighbourhood Watch group on Friday, 7 December 2018 for a night of Christmas carols, a sausage sizzle and fun. Entry: $2 donation Time: 5.30 pm for 6.30 pm start (Band performing 6.30 pm to 8 pm) Address: Rec Park Basketball Stadium, Main Road, Willunga
Watch on SA Neighbourhood Watch SA Magazine
Next issue: Summer 2019
Australia Day Parade 26 January 2019 Parade starts at 6 pm in Franklin Street. Free concert in Elder Park from 7 pm.
An asset to the community
Christmas concert
Beverley Kinloch was presented with an award in recognition of more than 20 years of outstanding service as a volunteer with South Australia Police (SAPOL) by Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) on 21 August 2018.
The Band of the South Australia Police are ringing their sleigh bells presenting an evening of popular Christmas cheer suitable for all ages. Join the full 33 piece Concert Band under the direction of Music Director David Polain as it takes you on a musical journey of classic carols and Christmas hits old and new.
During her time with NHW Beverley has been a dedicated and reliable volunteer assisting in a variety of roles. These include ‘Friends of the Band’, all Police Tattoos, participating in SAPOL role plays, and assisting with various Blue Light duties.
Featuring soloists and vocalists, you will have your chance to sing along too – a night of Christmas fun for the whole family.
She has also been a NHW member where she has provided support to local NHW Areas and assisted with merchandise sales from SAPOL headquarters, while also being a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Management, performing volunteer marshal duties in numerous Australia Day parades, and staffing the NHW VASA Inc. stand at the Royal Adelaide Show. Beverley has worked tirelessly, often taking on multiple roles simultaneously. She has been an asset to SAPOL’s Police Volunteer Program and contributed to keeping the community safe. Her long-term commitment and contribution has been truly outstanding. We thank her for being involved and wish her all the best for the future. You don’t have to put in as many hours as Beverley has to do your bit for NHW. Visit the website to learn about how you can get involved and make a difference in your local community.
As a special gift to Neighbourhood Watch SA members, quote NHWSA online or at BASS to receive Adult tickets at the discounted price of $21. Why not bring a group of friends and save even more. Check the BASS website for childrens’ tickets and other price variations.
Got an event coming up?
Editorial content
If your Neighbourhood Watch Area is planning a large event and want it promoted in this magazine, on the Facebook page or the NHW SA website, just email or call the State Community Engagement Section.
Watch on SA magazine will accept editorial from Neighbourhood Watch volunteers. Contact the State Community Engagement Section to learn more.
State Community Engagement Section SA Police Headquarters 100 Angas Street Adelaide SA 5000 GPO Box 1539 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone: 7322 3298 Email: SAPOLNeighbourhoodWatch@ police.sa.gov.au Facebook: NeighbourhoodWatchSA Website: www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw