Security plan is on the money
SPATE OF BREAK-INS IN WEALTHY STREETS SPARK CONCERN
Andrea McCullagh
PRIVATE security could soon be patrolling two of the wealthiest streets in Mosman after a series of highend robberies.
An all-night foot patrol by a uniformed security officer on Burran and Hopetoun avenues has been proposed by resident John Dennett and has the backing of Neighbourhood Watch amid fears professional thieves are targeting the prized streets.
The cost, estimated by a security company to be about $164,000 per year, would be shared by the residents that sign up.
This year, five major break-ins have been recorded on the two streets.
Mr Dennett, who sends out a security-focused newsletter to residents, said “high-worth assets” were taken in the robberies.
“This is not the 21-yearold wanting drug money,” he said. “This is the other end of the spectrum.”
He believes the presence of a security officer would make the thieves uncomfortable about turning up to target properties.
The president of Mosman Neighbourhood Watch, Judy Hinde, said a professional gang of thieves have targeted the area using hi-tech methods such as overriding keypads.
“These (the robberies) are the biggest ones we’ve ever had. They’ve all been substantial,” she said.
Burran Ave is known as the Golden Mile and the streets are home to several high-profile businessmen and celebrities including Ros Oatley, daughter of wine baron Bob Oatley, artist Ken Done, and Greg Karedis, the son of liquor outlet millionaire Theo Karedis.
Mr Dennett has approached the Synergy Protection Agency for a quote and is proposing a threemonth trial to householders before signing up for a year.
Synergy Protection Agency chief executive Joe Merhi said having a presence on the street made thieves think twice about targeting
the area.
Superintendent Allan Sicard encouraged the community to have faith in the NSW Police and Harbourside LAC.
“Break and enters in Harbourside LAC have been steadily decreasing over several years and Mosman enjoys a very low crime rate,” the police chief said.
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