Safety front of mind this festive season

More than $3.7 million has been granted by Brisbane City Council to Crime Stoppers Queensland since 2008 to help fund safety initiatives and community campaigns.

Brisbane Civic Cabinet Chair for City Standards Kim Marx said Council’s $250,000 annual contribution to Crime Stoppers Queensland was particularly important at Christmas.

“Christmas is often a time when crime rates increase, so we’re urging Brisbane residents to keep safety front-of-mind this Christmas. Check your doors, set alarms and look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours. And if you do see something suspicious, contact Crime Stoppers.”

Brisbane City Council has invested and expanded Brisbane’s CCTV network to 3400 cameras which operate in major entertainment precincts and Council facilities, like Brisbane’s CBD, Fortitude Valley and the Botanic Gardens. Cameras are positioned in consultation with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to capture activity in high pedestrian areas and those previously affected by anti-social behaviour.

“Our 24-hour CitySafe network is crucial in helping deter crime and assists law enforcement authorities,” Cr Marx said.

“In the 2022-23 financial year, our CitySafe cameras captured more than 23,000 incidents. My advice to residents is stay alert and listen to the advice of authorities. Together, we can keep ourselves, our families and properties safe over the festive season.”

Crime Stoppers Queensland have run three major campaigns in the past two years, including a Brisbane specific campaign, “Be the local hero”, which contributed to 48 charges being laid against nine individuals. Funding provided by Brisbane City Council has also contributed to Crime Stoppers’ anonymous reporting platform which sees almost 6000 tip-offs each month.

Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO David Hansen said the funding from Brisbane City Council had been fundamental in enabling the growth of volunteer committees – which are critical to the charity’s functions of community education and raising awareness of their anonymous reporting service.

“We take our duty of care very seriously in the Brisbane community and we are always looking to grow our fantastic group of volunteers who, like Brisbane City Council, share our vision for a safer Queensland,” Mr Hansen said.

Crime Stoppers Queensland continues to encourage anyone with information to act anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1800 333 000 or make a report online.

Crime Stoppers Christmas Safety Tips:

• Double-check windows and doors are locked.
• Make sure sheds and garage doors are secure.
• Switch on security systems or sensor lights.
• Cancel regular deliveries such as newspapers.
• Ask a trusted friend/family member to empty the letter box and keep an eye on your home.
• Hide spare keys.