In brief
OPERATION Beach Watch has been hailed a success with reported petty theft incidents dropping by 50 per cent over the Christmas holiday period.
Noosa Heads Officer-in-Charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said 11 cases of theft were reported this year, which is 50 per cent less than last year’s total of 21 incidents.
“It’s great to see a reduction in crime over the Christmas holiday period when compared to last year,” he said.
An unpopular campaign by local police to stop people leaving their cars unlocked throughout Hastings Street and Claude Batten Drive has also seen a 50 per cent reduction in the unlawful entry of a car.
Sen Sgt McReight said while crime was down, there had been an increase in common assault incidents in Noosa, with four reported incidents this Christmas period compared to no reported incidents last year.
Domestic violence incidents remain steady with police called to at least one incident per day and sometimes up to three or four on the weekend.
The statistics come as four people faced charges in Noosa Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for breaching a domestic violence order.
Crime Up
LOCAL police are warning boaties to be extra vigilant when mooring their boats after a recent spike in waterfront crime.
The warning comes after a man’s boat was believed to have been stolen on 31 December from the Harbour Town dock.
The man moored his 20-foot pontoon on the 31 December before driving past on 2 January and noticing the boat was gone.
Sen Sgt McReight said police had also received reports of fuel tanks and outboard motors being stolen.
“We’re receiving reports of boats being tinkered with and let off their moorings,” he said.
“Be mindful of what is left on your boat and look out for each other.”
The police will be stepping up patrols of the waterways and Noosa River.
Anyone with information should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
