BUSINESSES might be shutting their doors and leaving shops idle, but the coronavirus pandemic has seen a downturn in local crime.
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Oxley police are working the beat, in a high-visibility blitz to enforce the state's strict social distancing and essential travel measures.
"We are very pleased our efforts in relation to prevention and disruption are working and we will continue to respond to whatever we need to," Oxley Police District Superintendent Kylie Endemi said on Thursday.
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Despite the latest drop locally, the region's security companies are doubling their measures to help prevent opportunistic crimes.
Influenced by the government's restrictions - of not going out for anything other than essential items - many shops have closed their doors and stood down staff.
That in turn, has prompted many businesses to invest in new security measures such as CCTV cameras, new locking mechanisms, and regular patrols by security firms.
One such security company experiencing a spike in demand is Advanced Inland Security, which company sales manager Issac Carr believes is a preemptive measure on the part of businesses.
"Everyone is being really proactive in ensuring their property and goods are kept safe," Mr Carr told the Leader.
"We have been run off our feet with calls, mainly in the business sector, but also a lot of calls have been for houses as well.
"I think with more people self-distancing at home, they are wanting to feel safe and secure while they are doing so.
"In my opinion, that's why security cameras have been going gangbusters right now and why people have been looking to ramp up their security measures."
Superintendent Endemi said the region had enjoyed a recent downturn in crime.
"We continue to maintain an awareness all the time in relation to our crime trends and our activities across the district," Superintendent Endemi said.
"It's been very pleasing to see we have actually had a reduction in crime, which is excellent."
Mr Carr said the advent of more local restaurants implementing a delivery service had caused a spike in demand for duress alarm technologies.
"One thing we are seeing a bit more of a demand for is our panic button mechanism," he said.
"A lot of the local restaurants and things that are doing delivery are ordering them for their employees to keep them safe while they are delivering food and drinks.
"Initially, the product was mostly sought after by senior citizens and those with medical issues.
"However, now we are seeing more delivery employees equipped with them, so that if anything does go wrong, the alert comes through to us and we can ensure the right assistance is provided."
Superintendent Endemi said police were very supportive of businesses aiming to beef up their security measures.
"I think prevention is a very strong message at the moment, in terms of security," she said.
"We work with a lot of agencies, businesses and individuals within the community, in terms of providing prevention advice and we will continue to do that."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
