Show week 9-11 November 2005
Show week is traditionally hot and busy, with lots of people about, a lot of alcohol, a good time for all, and easy pickings for the burglar and car thief.
Locals and visitors are warned to leave no chances for the opportunist thief and to keep an eye on their valuables.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Harvey says that some burglars specialise in Show Week, especially motels. Visitors should take extra care when staying in motels he explains.
"Motels are often an easy target for thieves who know that doors tend be left unlocked for latecomers to get in during the night. On hot nights, windows often get left wide open, so make sure that if there is a safety catch, you use it,' he says.
"People are relaxed and cash and valuables tend to be left lying around. Thieves know from experience where to look for wallets and jewellery. Money should be hidden or put with your other valuables in the motel safe."
Parked cars can also be an easy target. Visitors and locals are warned about leaving valuable belongings in their cars, wherever they’re parked, on the road or up a drive.
"Anything valuable should be taken with you, hidden, or left at home, but please don’t leave jackets, cameras, bags etc in the car where they can be seen."
Those enjoying a drink out on the town should also take care to keep an eye on their wallets and credit cards.
The Fraud Squad says that it may be best to leave all your credit cards at home when you're out on the town.
"Decide how much money you are willing to spend and only take that amount of cash with you," says Detective Sergeant Virginia le Bas. "This will be all you can then spend - or lose. If you do take your cards, don’t let anyone see you input the number and never tell it to anyone else."
"If passing over your card to start a tab, make sure you pick it up, and check the amount of money before you sign as you leave," she says.
It’s easy for a thief to rifle through a jacket over the back of a chair or bag left while someone is getting a drink. Patrons are advised to only take to town what they need and can carry.
Parents should know where their children are, advises Senior Sergeant Peter Cooper. Unsupervised children can end up in trouble and are often picked up in town.
"Check up that they are where they say they are," he says. "They are your responsibility."
Show Week is the first big event of the summer season. Bars will be full and fights and arguments often break out.
"Take stock of yourself and remember your drinking limits," Peter Cooper says. "If you're going to drink, plan how you'll get home before you go and get a taxi or friend to see you home. If your kids phone and ask you to pick them up, be prepared for it to be `any time any place'. It's great they've asked you; have the discussion the next day."
Senior Sergeant Cooper says the inner city will be busy so expect it to be well policed.
Police also advise that people go out in groups and `keep an eye on each other’.
Detective Senior Sergeant Harvey says that there are too many incidents where young women drink so much alcohol or party drugs, they are unsure whether they have agreed to sex or have been raped.
"Most young people know about watching for drink spiking but many will drink beyond their limit. Women are advised not to accept drinks or let friends accept drinks from strangers.
"Keep an eye on your friends," says David Harvey. "If leaving with someone you didn’t arrive with, ensure that your friends are informed.
"It’s not about being moral but being sensible and safe," he says. "You wouldn’t let your friend drive when drunk, so make sure they get home safely. A person with too much alcohol is a very easy target for an assault, theft or accident."