REIQ'S LATEST PRESS RELEASE

Here's the latest press release from Neighbourhood Watch's major sponsor the REIQ

Property offences continue to be the most reported crime in Queensland, requiring substantial police resources, and costing victims and insurance companies tens of millions of dollars every year.


Studies show about 80 per cent of people who commit property crime in Queensland do so to support a drug habit.

“A large percentage of property theft is drug-related with drug users disposing of stolen goods in exchange for drugs or money,” Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) assistant state coordinator A/Sergeant Yvette Burgess said.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is the Neighbourhood Watch program’s major sponsor with the two organisations working together to promote community safety.

Keeping an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhood can help reduce this type of crime and make your community safer.

Signs of possible drug-related activity to look out for include:

•  blacked out windows or windows covered with aluminium foil;

•  any strange chemical odour - chlorine or ammonia-type of smell;

•  high amount of human traffic or cars visiting specific properties, especially at night.

“Getting to know your environment – including your neighbours – helps create a safer community and helps to prevent crime,” REIQ executive manager Leonie Foster said.

“A little piece of information that may seem insignificant can help solve a crime.

Suspicious activity can be reported to Crime Stoppers anonymously while other issues such as break and enters should be reported to your local police station.”

If you see any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.