By NICOLE VALICEK
AS WE come into the holiday period police in Hobsons Bay are warning residents to take care or risk their own safety and security.
Hobsons Bay Acting Inspector Jenny Wilson said they have joined Victoria Police in implementing Operation Summer Stay Campaign, which will run until 6 January.
The operation will use all available resources to focus on traffic policing, including enforcing traffic infringements, conducting random alcohol and drug testing.
Insp Wilson said these measures will be enforced to ensure they are “doing everything in (their) power to reduce the road toll”.
“Each Christmas we see horrific stories of people who have needlessly lost their lives on the road leading up to Christmas,” she said.
“The Hobsons Bay policing community are focused on keeping our roads safe.”
Insp Wilson said while people might be getting ready for a shopping spree over December, so do criminals.
“Last year during December we saw an increase in both house burglaries and theft from motor car offences.”
She said many of these thefts could be prevented if owners were forward thinking.
“What you are leaving in your car, what can be seen through the windows (An Apple bag containing an iPhone), why not take items straight home.”
She also suggested doing security checks on houses now and remember things like – are windows locked, are blinds drawn, do you have good locks and have you put wood along those slide windows.
Recently there have been light-fingered criminals stealing from cars while people are paying for petrol, always lock your car and take your purse and mobile phone with you.
“When shopping at supermarkets, in shops and around shopping centres, be careful about putting your purse or handbag on the trolley or leaving it unattended.”
Sergeant Jason Van Doren from the Hobsons Bay Highway Patrol said he was shocked at the number of speeding motorists who were not heeding warnings.
“Some people don’t learn or even worse just don’t care. Police will gladly remove these type of people from our roads.”
If you have information about criminal activity that you would like to report you can also ring Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
