On the blog: Wishing you a safe festive season
As we come to the end of another busy year it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday season.
I’d like to thank the Canberra community for your support over the past year and the role you have played, and continue to play, in actively keeping our community safe. Police cannot be everywhere. You are our eyes and ears and have helped us greatly throughout the year by providing information that has, on multiple occasions, assisted our investigations.
We now have more than 100 000 followers on social media and you have shown time and time again that you can be the missing link police sometimes need to help solve crimes. You have provided us with intelligence on Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, illegal drugs and firearms and identified offenders from even the poorest quality CCTV footage. It is when the community and police work together that we get the best outcomes.
I’d also like to acknowledge my officers and support staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the year. Police work is a demanding but rewarding job and I am proud to lead a team who are so dedicated to the work they do and committed to making a difference. For those working over the Christmas period I thank you, and thank your families who will be sharing you with the job at this time.
Our officers will be working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the community has a role to play too in protecting yourselves and each other. Make sure you look out for family and friends, know your limits and don’t drive under the influence.
If you are heading away on our roads please remember to stick to the speed limit, take regular breaks and be respectful to other drivers. Make sure your house is secure and let neighbours and friends know you will be away so they can keep an eye on your home while you are gone.
Not everyone’s Christmas is a positive experience. Spending time with family can be stressful and when you add alcohol it can have negative and sometimes unexpected consequences. For those who may be struggling this Christmas period there are a number of support services available to you and I encourage you to reach out and talk to someone if you are having a difficult time.
Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. I am looking forward to working with you in 2019 to ensure Canberra remains one of the safest places to live in Australia.
Support services
Emergency 000
Police Assistance 131 444
Australian Red Cross 1800 733 276
Lifeline 13 11 14
Domestic Violence Crisis Service 02 6280 0900
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
St Vincent de Paul Society 02 6282 2722
Mental Health Crisis and Assessment Team 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065
Menslink 02 6287 2226
SupportLink 1300 656 200