Local thefts on the rise
By Tahlia Facer, Bundaberg Today
Local theft is on the rise, with power tools and maintenance equipment seemingly at the top of the hit list.
A number of businesses have been broken into recently and Bundaberg Landcare’s Michael Johnson said their nursery was just one of many hit in February.
“I know there are a lot of businesses being broken into right now and I don’t see a report on the news,” Mr Johnson said.
“Approximately $6,000 worth of equipment was stolen, including guillotines, chainsaws and laptop computers, but thankfully the thieves didn’t destroy anything indiscriminately, if that’s any consolation.
“Of course, like everyone else, we thought our nursery was safe. Mind you we have video of the latest group of children between the ages of nine and 15 climbing our fence but on this occasion in October 2022 (ie from inside the site) nothing was captured.
“However, the same thieves drove a sledgehammer through the glass door of the Diggers football club (which they stole from our shed); the perpetrator filmed on the video was around 11 years old…we believe two of these individuals have been caught and charged, but we are not sure of the details.
“What we warn people about is to look at their own security measures.
“Obviously look at your insurance and that includes all the serial numbers and photos so you have as much information as possible to provide to the police.
“Also, the door was easily pried open by a piece of steel roof rack that the thieves picked up in our kid’s room…they just slammed the door shut, then got access to all our gear and keys to everything else…also stole our hard drive, which is obvious.” she was filmed.”
Mr Johnson urged others to take a look at their own security measures and improve the technology.
“I thought our security was pretty good, but actually it was very bad,” he said.
“You’re cutting through the chain link fences, so those fences aren’t very secure and won’t protect you.
“People should be looking for high-end security systems that recognize human features and send an alert to your phone so you can call the police right away.”
In hindsight, Mr Johnson would have done things differently but said he learned from the experience.
“So, make a note of it, don’t leave the keys in an obvious place,” he said.
“Do not leave any tools that could be used and although these thieves came in over a fence from the Salvation Army Nursery they used bolt cutters to cut all the chains when they broke into our equipment container and assisted in moving the equipment away .
“Again, make a note, don’t make it easier for these people by leaving such tools visible.”
Bundaberg Police are also urging people to increase their safety.
“Unfortunately, in recent months we have seen an increase in thefts, particularly businesses, storage sheds, sports clubs and vehicles being targeted,” said Senior Constable Brittany Duncan.
“We have seen several companies and sports clubs cut fences to gain access.”
Senator Const. Duncan said the number of thefts was certainly noticeable and therefore an issue.
“Thousands and thousands of dollars [worth of equipment has been stolen] Which is really unfortunate considering they are hardworking local businesses and not for profit local sports clubs,” she said.
While the matter is still under investigation, Bundaberg Police strongly encourage all residents, whether they are a business owner, part of a sports club or just residents with a home and vehicle in the area, to please shut up.
“Locking cars and homes is a huge deterrent for criminals looking for an easy way to steal items,” she said.
“Business owners are also encouraged to conduct regular security checks of their business premises.”
A simple and effective way to audit corporate security is to start from the outside and work inwards using the layered approach outlined at police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/business -security can be found