Community & Business
9 May, 2025
Police volunteers talk safer living with Probus Club
Safer living was the topic of discussion at the Pittsworth-Southbrook Probus Club’s meeting last week with guest speakers from the Toowoomba Crime Prevention Unit.
“It’s the little things that really matter,” Volunteer in Policing (ViP) guest speaker, Susan said.
A large focus of the discussion was on personal and situational safety strategies, and dealing with confrontation.
Susan said since the legislation of Jack’s Law in Queensland, police have been given more opportunities to use hand-held metal detectors to combat knife crime in public areas such as concerts and shopping centres.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has taken more than 900 weapons off people with 10,500 wanding operations in that time.
One Probus member pointed out that that is nearly one in 10 people, who were carrying a potential weapon.
Susan highlighted the benefits of a personal safety alarm, which can be purchased online, and is ultra-loud, rechargeable and equipped an LED torch.
By simply pressing the button, or pulling the chain, the alarm omits a loud siren, drawing attention to the situation.
One member asked Sergeant McGrath if there was a need for Neighbour-hood Watch in our region.
Sgt. McGrath said it has been between 5 and 10 years since a Neighbourhood Watch was established and the community groups do not exist like they used to.
The laws surrounding electric and mobility scooters were another hot topic of discussion.
Susan reminded the Club that all motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters should be registered, and there is no cost from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
