Operation Halite visible 'presents'

Crime prevention members from Operation Halite will work with the community for the next three days to reduce car break-ins at shopping and town centres.

“Our Christmas ‘presents’ will be our presence and our safety tips,” said Operation Halite’s Constable Ali Craft today. Shoppers at Westfield Belconnen, the Canberra Centre, Woden Plaza and the Tuggeranong Hyperdome are encouraged to come and speak with us about making their cars harder for thieves to steal, and steal from,” she added.

Uniformed police and volunteers will be on hand to offer advice on how to make vehicles less appealing, and more resistant to criminals. The community can help reduce theft from motor vehicles leading up to, during and after Christmas by:

1. LOCKING their car doors and closing all windows.
2. PARKING their car in secure parking areas or using an area well lit at night. 
3. GARAGING their car in a locked garage or behind gates if possible.
4. REMOVING all portable valuables from their car.
5. SECURING their car – engine immobilisers are good, but even a steering lock is an excellent deterrent.
6. AVOIDING placing identification (name/address/registration) on keys and never leaving keys in their car.

Operation Halite team members will attend the following locations: Friday, 17 December 4pm to 8pm Belconnen Mall Saturday, 18 December 10am to 3pm Canberra Centre Sunday, 19 December 10am to 2pm Woden Plaza 1pm to 3pm Tuggeranong Hyperdome