If you have read all the episodes you should be a guru at protecting your property, securing your valuables and your car and be a fountain of information in relation to crime prevention.

However, if you do not read On The Beat you may well be missing out on the best collection of literary excellence since Harry Potter (or not).

We are still getting items such as wallets being stolen from unlocked vehicles, handbags stolen from shopping trolleys, mobile phones being left around and stolen.

Money left in tills overnight (break-ins occur and money gets taken).

PayWave frauds are continuing where your cards are being stolen and used by crooks.

Remember it’s your hard earned money they are getting.

It’s hard to write this column every week knowing that next week will bring further frauds, stealing and other crimes.

All these crimes can be stopped or greatly reduced if only we would take responsibility for our own property and secure it.

It’s not “rocket science”. If everyone secured their own property, I guarantee that our crime statistics in the Shoalhaven would probably be halved.

Christmas Tip: Do not leave all your Christmas present boxes (televisions, dvd players etc) out the front of your house near the bins because it advertises the fact that you have these items.

Cut them up or take them down the tip yourself.

As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

Don’t forget, cops are tops.

See you next week.