Friday, May 18, 2012
Phone: 5249 6700 Trades and Classifieds:
A Star News Group publication
SEEKING THE WOW FACTOR PAGE 7
BUCKETS & BOUQUETS PAGE 15
FINALLY FRIDAY PAGE 35
Burgs spark calls to stiffen security BY CHERIE DONNELLAN TORQUAY police have warned businesses to install security systems after a spate of breakins. Senior Sergeant Angelo Ferrara said burglars had hit 20 commercial properties in Torquay over the past 10 months. Reports of retail and food shop break-ins had increased in recent months, Sen Sgt Ferrara said. “It’s been an emerging issue for us. We’ve been called to a lot of overnight break-ins. “We’ve found that so many shops haven’t been alarmed, therefore we aren’t finding out about the break-in until the next morning.” Sen Sgt Ferrara urged Torquay business owners to review their security arrangements. “We’d encourage owners that haven’t got an alarm fitted to get them done,” he said. “It gives us a greater chance of catching offenders or at least it gives police notification of the break-in at the earliest possible time.” Sen Sgt Ferrara said inferior locks on windows and doors were also a problem. “Offenders are obviously targeting shops that are reasonably easy to get into because the locks aren’t the best or the shops aren’t alarmed.” Sen Sgt Ferrara said many of the break-ins were within Torquay’s town centre. “If anyone who lives around the CBD sees a suspicious vehicle or person they need to notify police straight away.” Torquay Traders Association president Martin Duke said the recent statistics “surprised” him. He urged business owners to increase their diligence with security and close-up practices. “I’ve noticed that shop owners and staff often leave cash registers and valuables in plain sight after the shop had been closed for the day.” Mr Duke also advised Torquay traders to take money and valuables off the property when closed. “Bank your profit and take valuables off the property or you will be a target for criminals.” Mr Duke said the traders association ordered additional security during holiday periods and schoolies celebrations to minimise risks.
Martin Duke and Sen Sgt Angelo Ferrara in Torquay’s Gilbert St.
FORD OWNERS
Diversitat Training
ph 5224 2329 or training@diversitat.org.au
T J B “The dealer alternative”
C1033826-KG20-12
Diversitat Training’s Course Guide is out now. To receive your FREE copy
Picture: Tommy Ritchie 1006538-JF34-11
For servicing and repairs with manufacturer’s warranty not affected - see Geelong’s Ford Specialist.
Diversify your future
5244 3337 8 Maxwell Ave, Belmont
1300 666 808
81427
Confusion over Bells bus traffic BY CHERIE DONNELLAN TOUR buses could be illegally entering Bells Beach Surfing Reserve after councillors passed new licensing laws last month, according a community group. Bells Beach Preservation Society said it had legal advice buses should stay out of the reserve until council had issued licences. Surf Coast councillors voted last month to implement a licensing system charging buses visiting Bells $2 a passenger. But preservation society president Maurice Cole said buses were still entering the reserve. Council had broken its promise of bylaws officers patrolling the reserve to fine illegally-parked buses, he said. “Our advisers told us insurance companies won’t pick up the bill if there’s an accident while the buses are unlicensed. “From a safety perspective, all buses should be banned from Bells until licences are issued, otherwise taxpayers bear the brunt of the risk.” Mr Cole said preservation society members were “angry” council had failed to enact its new laws. Council had also failed to provide the society with an explanation, he said. Go West Bus Tours managing director Terry Smit said the shire had yet to inform him of its licensing decision. “The last time we heard from Surf Coast Shire was when they held an information night to tell us they were considering the charges. We didn’t know a decision had been made. “We were told the proposed fee would be $2.40 by 2013, so we were already evaluating whether visiting Bells is worthwhile for our customers. We feel there are other places along the coast where we might feel more welcome.”