Fighting back to break the break-in wave: Northern Rivers street patrols aim to stop ‘brazen’ violent crooks

Residential security patrols have been launched in the Northern Rivers after inundating pleas from “scared and angry” residents facing break-ins, repeat burglaries and tactics like doorknocking to target the vulnerable.

Red Diamond Security has responded to community demand and expanded its services to include residential security patrols.

Residential security patrols have been launched by an industry veteran in the Northern Rivers after being “inundated” with pleas from “scared and angry” residents facing break-ins, repeat burglaries and new tactics like doorknocking to target the vulnerable.

After hearing from countless “fearful and fed-up” residents Red Diamond Security owner and manager Josh Paish decided to act and add nightly residential patrols to his services.

Since putting a call-out on Facebook last week to gauge interest Mr Paish, who has 30 years security industry experience, has heard terrible stories and decided to fast track – launching patrols this week.

Red Diamond Security owner/manager Josh Paish has seen overwhelming demand for his services.

“Residents are being held up by knifepoint, having things stolen from their car ports and under their homes, break-ins, bikes being stolen — it’s been pretty eye opening,” he said.

Mr Paish warned that the “brazen” criminals use tactics such as knocking on doors to identify easy targets, especially the elderly and single mothers.

Mr Paish said residential security patrols are not a new thing but are new to the area.

Mr Paish said a serious patrol presence aims to keep people away that “want to cause harm” looking for “easy targets”.

“They go around during the day doorknocking and pretend they are looking for someone or something like a phone charger but they are really just seeing who opens the door,” he said.

“Then they’ll strike up a conversation and have a look around.

“Or if they’re snooping around and they get caught they’ll say something like ‘I’m looking for my Aunty’.

“And if a home has been identified as a soft target, they get hit multiple times,” he said.

Red Diamond Security offer a presence through three overnight random patrols in the Ballina, Lismore Byron and surrounds areas.

Unlike other security services that may only be able to dial in a report, Mr Paish and his team of four are trained in restraining alleged offenders.

Nightly patrols are being offered in the Ballina, Lismore, Byron and surround areas from 8pm to 5am.

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Originally published as Fighting back to break the break-in wave: Northern Rivers street patrols aim to stop ‘brazen’ violent crooks