Vale our fallen heroes

By Snr Sgt Alex O'Toole - Station Commander, Southbank Police Station On Wednesday, April 22 at 5.40pm, Victoria Police lost four members of our blue family. The outpouring of support for our fallen colleagues Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Joshua Prestney, and Constable Glen Humphris and their families has been overwhelming. Southbank Police Station has received flowers, cards, emails, food and phone calls from our community of Southbank to express their sorrow at the loss of our colleagues. The members at Southbank Police and ultimately Victoria Police are grateful for this support, which highlights the incredible level of community appreciation for the service of police, and the sacrifice made each time we put on the blue uniform and go to work. It has been a very difficult time for everyone at the station. It reinforces to each and every one of us that we face many dangers while protecting our community. There have been many calls received at Southbank Police Station from the public who wish to donate following this tragic incident. Victoria Police Legacy has established the Victoria Police Remembrance Fund, a dedicated fund through Westpac to collect donations on behalf of the families. Visit: policelegacyvic.org.au or use the details below: Victoria Police Legacy Remembrance Fund Westpac BSB: 033 178 Account: 299178 Vale Leading Senior Constable Taylor, Senior Constable King, Constable Prestney and Constable Humphris. Crime at residential apartment buildings There has been a spate of burglaries at Southbank residential apartments in recent months. Thieves have been targeting storage cages in basements/carparks, and letterboxes. Help keep yourselves and other residents safe and secure by following these tips: Tailgaters: always ensure that only your car enters the carpark and wait for the security door to close after your vehicle upon entry and exit. Do not hold the entrance door open for a person to enter past a secure entry. This could be a thief intending to burgle apartments or steal from letterboxes. Storage cages: don’t store expensive items in storage cages e.g. golf clubs or bicycles. Consider lining storage cages with fabric or other materials that conceal the contents of the storage cage. Letterboxes – always lock your mailbox and never leave any access fobs or keys to apartments locked in your letterbox. Locks on letterboxes are easily forced by thieves. Lock apartment doors – many residential burglaries have occurred where access has been gained through unlocked front doors – even when residents are home. Get in the habit of always locking your front door when leaving and also upon returning home. Report suspicious behaviour to 000 or Southbank Police Station on 8635 0900 •