Security beefed up

Five CCTV cameras were stolen on October 10 in addition to six stolen and one damaged earlier this year.

With the most recent incident causing a loss of $12,000, the Shire has decided to beef up its security.

Shire chief executive Rhonda Hardy said a new design, a secondary CCTV system and additional surveillance equipment were being investigated, along with other alarm trigger devices.

She said the stolen CCTVs should be replaced this week.

Shire President Sue Bilich said the recent thefts came as a timely reminder for residents to make sure their homes and belongings were secure.

‘Both commercial and residential properties are at risk,’ she said.

‘Make your home look occupied while you are away, and ensure that you lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Leave lights on when you go out.

‘If you are going to be away for any length of time over the holidays, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.’

Ms Bilich also suggested arranging with the Post Office to hold your mail, or for a friend or neighbour to collect it regularly while you are away, check your security measures, have adequate exterior lighting, and trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

Forrestfield Police officer in charge Wal Brierley said the area had experienced a ‘significant increase’ in burglaries and break-ins in October

‘There has been an increase in Forrestfield, High Wycombe, Kalamunda, Walliston and Lesmurdie,’ he said.

‘We suggest talking to your neighbours, get to know them, look out for each other.

‘If you see a suspicious car in the area, call your neighbours and check to see if they know who it belongs to.

‘We have seen so many times in which houses and cars are unlocked ” we cant stress enough how important it is to lock up.’

If you have any information, call police on 131 444.