What’s Brewing In Your Community?
The Queensland Police were out in force on Saturday 18th May at Elevation Café on Main Western Rd, hosting ‘Coffee With A Cop’. The first of its kind on Tamborine Mountain, the event was held in association with Division 1 Councillor Amanda Hay, who was in attendance alongside MP for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause.
“‘Coffee with a Cop’ is a regular event, all over the world,” explained Sgt Linda Smith. “We do it to have informal chats with people in a comfortable environment, to promote conversations and instil community confidence.”
Residents who stopped by were encouraged to share their concerns, and unsurprisingly, the recent spate of burglaries in and around the area was a major topic of discussion. However, local QPS officers were keen to reassure the community that crime figures remain relatively low, emphasising that reports on social media weren’t always accurate and often alarmist.
Members of the prevention team were also on hand to offer advice on ways for residents to better protect their properties.
Councillor Hay commended the proactive efforts of the police in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce. “They have actively participated in the last two meetings I’ve attended, to provide assistance and offer crime prevention advice for local businesses.”
The councillor went on to speak of a possible new initiative which has roots in the past. “I am exploring the reinstatement of Street Watch, run in conjunction with disaster recovery initiatives. Under this voluntary program, carried out on a street-by-street basis, designated coordinators would oversee community engagement, allowing willing residents to be proactive and maintain vigilance.”
By Sharon Joslyn