SmartWater: making positive headlines
The impact of SmartWater as a criminal deterrent is becoming increasingly apparent every day. Police forces around the world are using and supporting The SmartWater Strategy, and most importantly criminals are taking notice – living with the fear of being caught and convicted of crimes long after they have taken place.
The following stories highlight the success of The SmartWater Strategy when deployed by regional police as part of their crime reduction initiatives. Each success story gives information detailing the specifics of the crime reduction strategy as well as their objectives, and examples of the press coverage that each initiative achieved.
21/07/11Burglars Hit Childcare centres
Burglars target childcare centres
21/Jul/2011
By Kaitlyn Offer, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
Jodi King, of the Midland School for Early Childhood Development – one of the burgled premises.
CHILDCARE centres have been the victims of a series of burglaries across the East Metropolitan police district, in what has been described as a “low” act.
Sergeant Garry Tuffin, of the district’s crime prevent unit, said six centres – in Midland, Caversham, Ballajura, Bassendean and Beechboro – had been burgled since July 5.
“Flat-screen TVs, digital cameras, cash, donation tins, laptop computers and mobile phones are being targeted,” Sgt Tuffin said.
“Some of the centres have been left with papers strewn about, desks overturned and fire extinguishers discharged.”
Sgt Tuffin said the offenders usually entered the centres by forcing open sliding doors and windows or smashing doors.
Police were working to stop the trend.
“Police patrols have been increased around learning centres and all police in the district have been asked to keep a high profile,” Sgt Tuffin said.
He said centres should keep valuables secured and out of sight when they were closed, as well as review their security measures.
Jodie King, coordinator of Midland School for Early Childhood Development, which was broken into last Monday night, said staff and families considered the centre a “safe, protected happy home away from home.”
“To know someone has illegally entered the centre after hours with the sole intent to steal and damage property leaves us feeling violated,” she said.
“We have had to reassess after hours security and what items we keep on the premises. It’s a shame, but I guess it is the sad reality of how low criminals are prepared to go.”
The centre had a digital camera, laptop computer, digital photo frame, a television DVD unit and a removable computer hard drive.
Parents too, were left in shock.
“I’m disgusted that people would target a place where children play,” Melissa Garfield said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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