Police have increased patrols in and around flood-affected areas of the Tweed after hearing that residents and volunteers were nervous to call on them for assistance, fearing they may already be overloaded.
Police have expanded patrols of Murwillumbah, Tumbulgum, Burringbar, and Chinderah in response.
During the weekend they also conducted patrols at Uki, Chillingham and Mt. Burrell.
Chief inspector Mick Dempsey said, ‘Police are mindful of the hardship being endured by our local communities.’
‘The volunteers providing food and support to flood-affected people really are encouraging others to get involved. It keeps the recovery effort going, even though there is obvious emotional and physical drain being experienced by everybody that is affected,’ chief ins Dempsey said.
‘In speaking with people in these communities, it is obvious that our affected locals are concerned about ringing or contacting police when needed because as commented today by a hardworking mother, “We don’t know if we should ring you because we don’t wont to strain resources.”
‘Please know that the police, emergency services and volunteer support organisations are here for you to call on whenever you need us. Call us at any time, particularly if it relates to suspicious persons loitering around property you are cleaning and so on.
As stated by our commander, detective superintendent Starling, “…our local police are ramping up patrols of flood affected areas to provide support.”
‘If you see the police feel free to stop and talk about things you may be concerned about in the local area as the recovery effort progresses,’ chief inspector Dempsey said.
If there is an emergency or a crime is being committed, immediately call triple zero.
If it is a non-urgent matter call Police Link on 131444.
Your local police station phone numbers are provided below should you need to speak to a police officer within Tweed/Byron LAC: Bangalow Police Station – 0266871404; Byron Bay Police Station – 0266859499 – 24 hour station; Brunswick Heads Police Station – 0266851277; Kingscliff Police Station – 0266749399; Murwillumbah Police Station – 0266729499; Mullumbimby Police Station – 0266842144; Tweed Heads Police Station – 0755360999 – 24 hour station.
