ON THE BEAT Police wrap-Up

Home Hill Police Station

On 30 June 2024 at 11:30am Home Hill Police responded to major traffic crash involving a bus and a 4WD towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway, Gumlu. The scene was extremely confronting requiring multiple emergency resources from the Townsville and Mackay regions. Sadly, three persons lost their lives as a result of the crash and a number of other persons seriously injured. Home Hill Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the passengers who passed away. We would also like to thank members of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) who work tirelessly at the scene in difficult conditions. Mackay Forensic Crash Unit continue to investigate the matter. Anyone with information that could assist investigations, including vision of the crash, is urged to contact police.
 
Home Hill Police have seen a minor increase in property crime in the division in the last fortnight. While the choice to offend is the offender’s alone, there are things you can do to reduce being targeted by opportunistic offenders. We can never stop all crime however, we can work together to discover what is the best practice and to make it just that little bit harder for criminals to find easy targets.

What you can do:
   • Ensure doors are always locked with a key even when you are home.
   • Ensure that all external doors, including your garage, of your home are solid and fitted with quality deadlocks. Always ensure car keys and house keys, together with mobile phones, handbags and wallets, are stored out of sight.
   • Follow your local Facebook pages and share information but don’t forget to tell police first, so that we can assist.
   • A carport or garage is not an impenetrable barrier for a determined thief.
   • Consider sensor lights and CCTV.

Please remember report crime to Police and inform us if you see something suspicious. If we don’t know, we can’t act!  If a crime is happening now, call Triple Zero (000). If not, think Policelink report online or via 131 444.

Ayr Police Station Report
At 3.40pm on Friday 28 June, Ayr Police were called to a local business after receiving a call of theft from that store.  As a result of investigations, a 23 year old Burdekin woman was charged with one count of stealing, three counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possessing medicines when not authorised to do so. She was released on conditional bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.
At 6.10pm on Saturday 29 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Graham Street, Ayr.  As a result a 45 year old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .232 and unlicenced driving. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.
At 3.20pm on Thursday 4 July, Ayr Police were called to an incident in Plantation Park, Ayr, where it was alleged an assault had occurred. As a result of investigation a 46 year old Tablelands man was charged with one count of common assault and released on conditional bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 5 August.
At 9.50pm on Thursday 4 July, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. As a result a 46 year old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .104 and obstruct Police. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.
At 10.10pm on Thursday 4 July, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. At that time a 28 year old Burdekin man alighted from the front passenger seat and began abusing and swearing at Police. As a result, he was charged with one count of public nuisance and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.

Ensure Vehicle Security
From time to time, vehicles are unlawfully entered with belongings stolen and sometimes vehicles are stolen.  
Some easy steps will help avoid being a victim of these types of offences:
   • Lock your car;
   • Do not leave the key in the ignition;
   • Do not leave valuables in the car.
Thieves don’t care whether you think you should have to lock up, they will just take advantage of any lax security.
Prevention and vigilance around your home and property can reduce these opportunistic thefts. In most cases, locking your vehicles, homes and sheds and securing your belongings appropriately will reduce these thefts.
If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.
Crime prevention is a community effort. Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences. This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, pls contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.

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Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash
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Home Security Audits
The Queensland Police Service have “Home Security Audit” forms that can be accessed at the QPS website.
Anecdotally the majority of unlawful entry offences are committed on residences or vehicles that are unlocked and/or have valuables in plain sight. Locking your house and car and securing valuables including money, keys, wallets and mobile phones will deter opportunistic thieves.  
If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.
Crime prevention is a community effort. Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences. This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers. If you have any such information, pleas contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.

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