By Sergeant Lawrie Drury
Sector Supervisor, Helensburgh Police Station
IN the past few months, several business premises in the Helensburgh CBD have been broken into, with cash and a laptop stolen. This is unusual as, on one occasion, two break and enter offences were committed on the same night.
In one instance, at least two offenders were seen to place a chlorine bomb next to glass panels in an attempt to break the window of a clothing store in Walker Street. No damage was done and inquiries are continuing to identify the car used by the offenders.
Helensburgh Coal Mine was also targeted, with thieves stealing property belonging to miners as they worked underground. The offender/s entered an unauthorised area where the miners' gear was stored and also used their keys to access vehicles. Security at the mine has been upgraded with police increasing patrols of the area.
Helensburgh Police with the assistance of other resources, such as the Highway Patrol and various proactive units, have increased the police presence to address the break, enter and steal offences. Although the high visibility of police does deter criminals, we still need the community to be our eyes and ears whenever possible.