Police urge residents to be aware

(By Caitlin Bishop, Bond University Journalism Student)

Despite falling crime statistics in Queensland, Varsity residents are being urged to become more security conscious as thievery and robberies are still common.

The current message to Varsity Lake’s residents from local police is to be aware of their surroundings.

This is mainly because people are failing to lock the doors to their cars or homes and this is attracting thieves.

Senior Community Crime Prevention Officer Dale Jackson warned residents to keep valuables and identification papers hidden from view as identity theft and robberies are common.

"It is back to having broomsticks in windows, take charge and switch on," said Mr. Jackson.

Over the summer holidays there have been reports to police about alcohol related crime and hooning in the Varsity area.

Mr Jackson said alcohol related crime is a common problem and Varsity’s bars and pubs do not stand out as particularly troublesome.

"It is no different from any other place," he said.

Miss Sangdee Junior Manager at Varsity Tavern has not had many problems with alcohol related abuse or aggression at the tavern.

"When drinking customers get disorderly, security will escort them off the premises," Miss Sangdee said.

Ashlee Anthony a resident at Varsity’s South Bay apartments feels secure amongst the Varsity nightlife and has not witnessed any alcohol related violence or crime.

“I feel safe and never see any violent behaviour,” said Miss Anthony.

The 2010 Queensland Police Commissioner’s Report stated despite the growing population Queensland’s crime-rate has been decreasing over the past decade.

It attributes this decrease in crime to meticulous community policing and the introduction of Policelink, a hot line for non-urgent incidents.

Senior Community Crime Prevention Officer Dale Jackson urges Varsity residents to keep the crime rate down by working as a community and watching out for each other.