Serpentine Jarrahdale rangers to trial free holiday watch patrol service over Easter

Friday, 17 March 2023 11:07

By Monique Welhan

Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Coordinator Community Safety Thomas Vassallo, Community Safety Officer Marissa Charles and Shire President Cr Michelle Rich. PIC: Supplied

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Rangers team will trial a free Holiday Watch Patrol Service over the coming Easter break.

Designed to increase community safety, the service will allow SJ residents heading out of town to register their properties to be checked regularly by Rangers while they are away.

Shire President Cr Michelle Rich said the trial would give holidaymakers more peace of mind this Easter.

“We all know Easter is a great time of year to escape with friends and family,” Cr Rich said.

“To know your home is being checked on by professionals while you’re away will help many SJ locals enjoy their holiday with their minds at ease.

“SJ residents identified community safety as an area of priority in our recent Community Perception Survey, so it’s great to see this innovative initiative being trialled over the holiday break.”

Ranger check-ups will consist of a simple drive-by to ensure the house is secure and that nothing is out of order.

Rangers will not access properties during check-ups.

If anything appears suspicious during the check-up or differs from the description the homeowner provides when registering their property, Rangers will contact the homeowner’s nominated emergency contact or keyholder.

Rangers will aim to patrol each property once within every 24 to 48 hours.

The service will be reviewed following the Easter holiday trial to determine its viability as a full-time service.

A minimum three days’ notice must be given when registering a property for the patrol service.

For more information call the Shire’s Community Safety team on 9526 1111.

To register a property, visit: www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/holidaywatch