Don’t be a victim this summer

WITH SUMMER bringing an influx of people to the Surf Coast, police are warning residents not to become a victim this holiday season.

The population of the region has increased and community safety is a major priority for local police.

Torquay Police Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley said people needed to be aware they were not living in the country and they are in an area where people come to enjoy the summer.

“We highly suggest that you lock your doors to your houses and cars. Don’t be a victim, be proactive.

“What we want to see is the person who locks their cars before going to bed being the person who wakes up in the morning and can go and get a coffee.

“The people who don’t lock their cars are the ones that have to call the police.”

Police numbers across the region have also increased to manage the holidaymakers who have flocked to the Surf Coast to enjoy all it has to offer. Crews are also preparing for additional emergencies, including the risk of bushfires.

Snr Sgt Bickley said people should know what to do before they needed to do it, warning people that although it looked green, the area was dry.

“There’s a lot of work going on in the background with all emergency services in regards to emergency management,” he said.

“For those communities on the coast, ensure you’ve got a fire plan ready, know what to do should it come to a day we get an Extreme or Catastrophic rating.

“Emergency services are confident in regards to preparedness, but it does fall on the community – people need to know what to do.”