Published Tuesday, 18 November, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Minister appeals to community: watch out for each other
Police Minister Judy Spence today urged people in storm-affected areas to be aware of elderly or disabled neighbours.
“I know everyone is busy with the monumental clean-up which is underway in these areas, but please, if you have an elderly or disabled neighbour, take the time to check on their wellbeing, or let police know they are there, so that they can do a welfare check,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence today toured the affected areas with Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders, including a visit to the mobile policing facility at the Ferny Grove police station, which was hard-hit in Sunday’s storm.
“Police recruits were today going door-to-door doing welfare checks in some of the worst-hit areas of The Gap, making sure people have the basic necessities of life,” she said.
“They are finding people who need fresh water, tarps, and other assistance which is then being coordinated.
“They are supplementing the already large number of police who are deployed in the area to perform traffic control and patrols, ensuring that the community is safe.”
Police are also warning residents to be aware of opportunistic scammers who are taking advantage of people affected by Sunday’s vicious storm.
Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders said residents were being advised to check for official identification when they accepted help from a person or company other than emergency personnel.
“You should also check with your insurance company before incurring expenses – do not rely on the word or advice of a so-called expert,” Deputy Commissioner Rynders said.
“Police have increased their patrols in the storm-affected area to prevent looting but police also advise residents to be mindful of the people helping on their property.
“This is still a disaster area and only essential services and residents should be in the area.
“Residents and emergency services personnel are still in the area clearing fallen vegetation and putting tarps on houses,” Deputy Commissioner Rynders said.
Media contacts: Minister Spence’s office: 3239 6218 ; Police Media: 3015 2444
“I know everyone is busy with the monumental clean-up which is underway in these areas, but please, if you have an elderly or disabled neighbour, take the time to check on their wellbeing, or let police know they are there, so that they can do a welfare check,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence today toured the affected areas with Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders, including a visit to the mobile policing facility at the Ferny Grove police station, which was hard-hit in Sunday’s storm.
“Police recruits were today going door-to-door doing welfare checks in some of the worst-hit areas of The Gap, making sure people have the basic necessities of life,” she said.
“They are finding people who need fresh water, tarps, and other assistance which is then being coordinated.
“They are supplementing the already large number of police who are deployed in the area to perform traffic control and patrols, ensuring that the community is safe.”
Police are also warning residents to be aware of opportunistic scammers who are taking advantage of people affected by Sunday’s vicious storm.
Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders said residents were being advised to check for official identification when they accepted help from a person or company other than emergency personnel.
“You should also check with your insurance company before incurring expenses – do not rely on the word or advice of a so-called expert,” Deputy Commissioner Rynders said.
“Police have increased their patrols in the storm-affected area to prevent looting but police also advise residents to be mindful of the people helping on their property.
“This is still a disaster area and only essential services and residents should be in the area.
“Residents and emergency services personnel are still in the area clearing fallen vegetation and putting tarps on houses,” Deputy Commissioner Rynders said.
Media contacts: Minister Spence’s office: 3239 6218 ; Police Media: 3015 2444