‘I’m taking it personally’: Break-in spike prompts private security call

Fed up residents are planning drastic action to keep their property safe from criminals as servos move to stop stolen car fuel drive-offs in response to spiking vehicle rip offs this month. FIND OUT THEIR PLAN

Fed up residents are planning a drastic measure to keep their property safe from criminals, as servo operators move to stop stolen car fuel drive-offs in response to an alarming increase in vehicle ripoffs this month.

On the final day of January, police figures reveal 119 vehicles were stolen between Gordonvale and the Northern Beaches, a 34 per cent increase on the December 2021 number of 85.

A Wiltshire Dr, Gordonvale resident's security cameras picked up a group of youths allegedly attempting to break into his house.

Based on January figures, the city could be on track for an annual car theft tally of more than 1400 stolen vehicles, easily surpassing a previous record of 782 cars set in 2021.

Freshwater resident Kane Brown has rallied the support of his community to get behind a bold move to hire a private security firm, tasked with patrolling the streets in response to increased car thefts in the area.

“I am getting a few naysayers but generally I’m getting a lot of positive feedback,” he said.

The action follows members of the public assisting police to nab a 21-year-old Yarrabah man and a 28-year-old Manoora man accused of breaking into an Earlville house on Sunday, stealing car keys and a wallet before making off with a vehicle.

Two days earlier three boys were arrested in a car stolen from Edmonton after police used Stinger tyre spike device to stop the Holden Commodore.

The boys had driven to the Puma Woree service station and tried to steal fuel before the attendant shut the pumps off. Service station workers have been directed under Workplace Health and Safety rules to switch off pumps if they suspect a driver is filling up a stolen car and under the age of 16 following a recent meeting with police.

Freshwater resident Mr Brown said he had complete faith in police, but their resources were limited. However a private security detail could be an effective way to protect the neighbourhood.

“I am starting to take it personally and wanting to protect my community,” he said.

“I still get a feeling of pleasure in the morning to see my car still there and you should not feel relief to see you have not been invaded during the night.

“And it’s not because the cops are not doing a good job, but that are limited to what they can do.

Cairns teens pose up on Instagram in front of an allegedly stolen car.

“(I know a good) security firm and maybe we can set up a plan that works for everyone, and council can help fund it or the community can chip in. I am sure we can fund it.”

Senior Constable Martin Shephard said the best way to deal with a “sneak” offender in your house was to make a lot of noise.

“They want to be in and out without being noticed, so the best thing to do is yell and call the police,” he said.

Follow @petercarruther1

Originally published as ‘I’m taking it personally’: Break-in spike prompts private security call