Dear Business owner,

This advisory relates to the recent increase of stealing offences involving removing Catalytic Converters/exhaust systems from vehicles at car dealerships. This has been occurring across the Brisbane Metropolitan area over the past few months. We would like to offer support and assistance in keeping your premise safe and your property/valuables as secure as possible.

We are encouraging all car dealerships in Brisbane to be alert with regards to security matters. These offences have predominately occurred after hours, while the businesses were closed. Vehicles targeted were left in an open car yard and as a result there was substantial property loss.

We have attached some advice and information to this email in relation reviewing your security measures. We would like to emphasize that staff from our office are available to assist with and specific concerns or information you would like to suit your circumstance.
This advice is provided to assist in reducing the likelihood of these offences occurring within your premises and to reduce risk:

• Consider fitting entry doors and/or windows with a security device to alert of any security breaches; including security screens, bollards etc
• Consider monitored and battery backup for intruder alarm system; Staff trained in the use of alarm and have individual access codes;
• Highly consider the use of surveillance equip: cameras monitored; footage recorded; staff trained in the correct use of equipment; equipment regularly checked and tested with battery backup.
• Highly desirable items locked in secure vestibule when premises unattended
• Ensure cash on hand is kept at a minimum and banking is conducted regularly – paying attention to ‘peak’ trading periods;
• Consider placement of relevant signage on front doors advising – ‘Nil cash kept on premises’, ‘Premises monitored by CCTV’, ‘Security systems activated’ etc. (as appropriate). We can send these out to you if you need.

The Centenary Crime Prevention Unit can provide further information and resources in relation to Security advice and assistance. We would also like to let you know that Crime Prevention Unit can conduct a free security assessment at your business.

For further information please contact the Centenary Crime Prevention Office at Infolink@police.qld.gov.au or by phone at 3131 7381.

If you see someone acting suspiciously call POLICELINK on 131 444 immediately.
For urgent Police assistance in emergency situations call Triple Zero (000) without delay.

View the crime advisory to the car dealerships and the business security information below:

• Business Security Assessment Guide v1
• Vehicle Security
• CCTV flyer
• Policelink
• Catalytic Converters Crime Advisory July 2021

2 July 2021