Remove It Project hailed a success
YOUR STORY: In 2012, Toowoomba Police saw a significant increase in property theft from vehicles across the region.
The stolen property was often left visible from outside the car, so with the help of a Safer Queensland Community Grant, Police launched the Remove It Project to raise awareness about the issue.
The Safer Queensland Community Grants program, delivered by Suncorp and the Queensland Police Service, is aimed at helping local communities improve road safety and reduce crime, or the fear of crime, in Queensland through supporting locally-run projects.
Sergeant Scott McGrath, who applied for the grant, attributes the success of the Remove It Project to the united effort of Police, Safer Toowoomba Regional Partnership Inc., Toowoomba Regional Council and the community.
"After consultation with a number of stakeholders, it was decided that the project would promote awareness about the importance of removing belongings from sight before locking your car through posters and bumper stickers" Sergeant McGrath said.
"The initiative was a success and there was a reduction in the number of vehicles which had property visible within them as well as a decrease in offences during the project's cycle."
Suncorp spokesperson David Littleproud said it was locally grown initiatives like these which the Safer Queensland Community Grants program aims to help.
"We always say that the best ideas for local communities come from local communities, and that is why we're proud to be working with the Queensland Police Service to deliver these grants again in 2015," Mr Littleproud said.
Applications for the fifth round of Safer Queensland Community Grants are now open and Mr Littleproud encouraged any local community groups, not-for-profits or police with an idea which can help their local community address road safety, crime, or the fear of crime, to apply.
Grants up to $10 000 can be awarded for initiatives and, with up to $250 000 in grants available in 2015, local Darling Downs community groups have a great opportunity to make a positive difference in their community.
Since the program's launch in 2011, more than 80 community groups, not-for-profits and police throughout Queensland have been awarded Safer Queensland Community Grants and 2015 will see the program put forward over $1 million towards local initiatives.
Nine grants have been awarded in the Darling Downs area totalling more than $57 000.
Along with the Remove It Project, successful grant applications have prevented crime through the installation of security cameras at community clubs and schools and reduced the risk of illegal graffiti by providing street art workshops for at risk youth.
The 2015 Safer Queensland Community Grants opened on August 1 and will remain open until September 14.
Further information is available at www.suncorp.com.au/saferqld or www.facebook.com/saferqldcommunities.
