A FORMER Police Officer and senior security expert has predicted an increase in the crime rate in the coming months. Pat Daley who is also a Sydney Northern Beaches Councillor said today, “Despite the Government’s best efforts to provide financial assistance to those who are now unemployed due to the COVID-19 crisis, it is a sad fact that that due to the dramatic increase in unemployment there will be an increase in the crime rate.

As a community, we need to work together and help each other stay safe and protect our property. As the co-founder of Neighbourhood Watch and the author of the best-selling Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Handbook I strongly advise the community to revisit the basic principles of Neighbourhood Watch and Neighbour Network which were so successful in protecting communities back in the 1980’s. We need to assist the Police in every way we can,” said Daley.

Here are some simple Crime Prevention tips which will help keep you and your family safe in the coming months.

1. If you have not already done so, exchange phone numbers with your neighbours and let your neighbours know if you see any suspicious activity around their house and if need be call the Police.

2 Many people are now self-isolating however always remember that break and enters can occur at night when you are asleep. Always lock your doors and windows when going to bed at night.

3. If going out for exercise or to buy food (even for a short time) make sure you always lock your doors and windows and if you have an alarm system activate it.

4. Practice Neighbour Network by keeping in touch with elderly family members, friends and neighbours. Senior citizens need to be particularly careful. Don’t let anybody into your home who is offering assistance if you don’t know them. Keep in regular communication with family and trusted friends and neighbours.

5. Do not let younger children go outside alone. Advise children that they should not speak to or go anywhere with somebody who they don’t know. Make sure your children follow Stranger Danger practices.

6. When using the internet Children and Teenagers need to be on the alert against online predators.  This advice is applicable to everybody no matter what your age.

7. If parking your car in the street or in your driveway make sure it is always locked. Try not to park your car in isolated or poorly lit areas. Don’t leave valuables on view in your vehicle.

Further information can be found in The Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Handbook.

The Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Handbook was published in 1988 by Angus and Robertson. The information is timeless and very much applicable today.

MEDIA INQUIRES AND INTERVIEWS CONTACT

PAT DALEY
patdaley.consultant@gmail.com

March 30, 2020

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