URUNGA resident Kit Moore believes the shire is in the grip of a crime wave – and tourists are particularly vulnerable.
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Kit had her car windows smashed and items stolen 18 months ago, and since then she has avidly noted the incidence of property damage and theft of goods.
“It’s rampant,” Kit told the Courier-Sun.
“Hungry Head and Third Headland carparks are targetted all the time. Not to mention the Urunga boardwalk too. And in Bellingen, just last market weekend a group of backpackers had their cars broken into, and that was in broad daylight.”
It was the latest incident that has spurred Kit to action. She is particularly concerned for travellers and holidaymakers.
“It’s the school holidays, with an abundance of the tourists flocking to the Bellingen Shire,” Kit said.
“I know how inconvenient and costly it is to replace everything taken, but it’s far worse for those travelling through. There’s a case recently where a family from overseas went for a walk and came back to find their car smashed into and passports, money, cameras, luggage and personal items gone.”
Nearly as infuriating for Kit is that she believes she knows who is responsible for some of the incidents.
“There’s a group of out-of-work youths, the same group each time, causing all this grief,” Kit said.
Kit said she had been to the police, on a few occasions, to report her concerns and that each time she had left disappointed.
“They’re hopeless. By the time they come, it’s far too late. You try to contact the local police but they are never there, so you get put through to Coffs Harbour and they then send an email to the local guys – an email? By the time they get the incident report, and then get to the crime scene, it’s far too late. They are not collecting fingerprints or anything.”
Kit hopes that by her speaking out, others will be saved from the misfortunes of petty crime.
“I really just want to draw attention to everyone that it’s important to be vigilant,” Kit said.
“No one deserves to come back to find their car damaged and items gone. Please take care, especially those going to the beach, these people are not being stopped and it’s up to everyone to take care of their own property.”