Operation Spring Surprise, Paddington

City police will be hitting the streets this morning to remind residents that security starts at home following a series of break and enters in the area overnight.

Three homes were broken into overnight, and it is believed all three were accessed through unlocked doors or windows.

Around 1.40am, unknown offenders have gained access to a Princess Street, Petrie Terrace residence and taken a sum of money and an iPad.

Around 2.20am, unknown offenders have gained access to a home on Plunkett Street, Paddington and taken car and house keys, handbags, and a pair of sunglasses.

Sometime between 12.30am and 7am this morning, unknown offenders have gained access to a residence on Evelyn Street, Paddington, and stolen a computer, iPad, camera, car keys, and a blue 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero four-wheel-drive.

Police will be door knocking and talking to residents in Paddington and Petrie Terrace about the simple things they can do to protect their property.

Senior Sergeant Neil MacLean from Brisbane City Division said that opportunistic thieves strike homes and businesses where doors and windows are left unsecured or where valuable items are left in plain view.

“It only takes a matter of minutes for thieves to sneak in through an open door or window and steal wallets, handbags and other small expensive items.

“We are hoping to educate people about the importance of securing their property to reduce their risk of falling victim to opportunistic thieves,” Senior Sergeant MacLean said.

There are a number of measures people can adopt to protect their property:

• Make locking external doors and windows a habit, even when you are in your premises or out in the yard. Those who occupy multi -residence dwellings should be aware that offenders can gain access by climbing balconies;

• Ensure any doors or windows left open for ventilation during the hot summer months have the necessary security devices fitted;

• Objectively view your premises and conduct a basic security survey. Identify vulnerable areas and increase security where necessary;
• Take an inventory for all items of value including electrical goods, recording their brand, colour, model and serial number;

• Photograph your valuables and size jewellery against a ruler or match box to assist in determining size;

• To deter thieves engrave or mark your property with a code made up of your initials, your date of birth as six digits and Q for Queensland. Police can record this code on their computer system to assist in property recovery;

• Install security sensor lights and fit appropriate locks especially to those doors or windows hidden from public view;

• Place items such as cash, wallets, laptops and mobile phones out of sight, as these are targeted, quick to remove and dispose of by offenders;

• Make sure tools and ladders are kept in a secure place – offenders often use garden equipment and wheelie bins to break into premises;

• Car owners should ensure their vehicle is always locked and secured, even at home, with any valuables such as GPS placed out of sight.

Additional information can be located at the Queensland Police Service web site at www.police.qld.gov.au, then look under ‘programs’ and ‘Community Safety and Crime Prevention’.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.