Proactive effort to stop parcel thefts

CASSIDY PEARCE

Nepean Police Area Command has initiated a social media campaign aiming to stop local residents from becoming a victim of parcel theft.

Though he says there’s no indication of an overrepresentation of these types of crimes in the area, Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Richard Gentle, said that the campaign was started to focus on a preventative space, based on trends state-wide.

“We do look at emerging trends across the state, and there are people who are doing these opportunistic-type manners,” Gentle said.

“It was important to us to get on the front foot, and to work with the community in trying to reduce the numbers of packages that are stolen.”

For Gentle, this starts with businesses allowing the recipients of their packages to opt to pick it up at the post office, instead of having it delivered.

“Ideally, where possible, we’d like to get them delivered to the post office, where there’s that security,” he said.

“That is the best option in terms of preventing this to occurring, but each business has its own criteria.”

Many businesses will also allow for recipients to request packages be placed in a secure location, or request a signature confirmation of delivery – both of which are highly recommended.

Where that’s not possible, Gentle recommends employing a friend or family member to keep an eye out.

“In the absence of a post office, having a neighbour or having a relative or a friend who could keep an eye out or collect the package is great, just as long as there’s someone to mitigate the risk of those items being stolen,” he said.

In lieu of that, Gentle suggests other ways to ensure that no one steps foot on your doorstep.

“Having CCTV, a large dog, anything that deters would-be offenders would be encouraged,” he said.

CCTV can also have the benefit of providing evidence to the local police, who investigate each report made. But, Gentle says it’s important the quality of the system is up to par.

“Make sure you upgrade it if appropriate,” he said.

“We’re only as good as the evidence that we have, or the footage that we have, so the footage that we do look at it – especially given that many of these people will do things to hide their identity – certainly does assist us from an evidentiary perspective.”

Most importantly, he stressed the vitality of reporting the incident to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, if you are a victim of a crime.

Matilda Nepean Private Hospital to open its doors to the public from Monday

The ribbon has been cut as a new private hospital in Penrith opened its doors this week with patients ready to receive treatment from this Monday, February 6.

The 90-bed Matilda Nepean Private Hospital, located off Somerset and Orth Street, Kingswood, was formally opened by State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres and Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh during a ceremony on Wednesday morning.

The $44 million five-star bespoke hospital blends specialist care services that include mental health, ambulatory care, rehabilitation, geriatrics, and palliative care with an interior and features such as a gym, café and pool that promotes wellness and healing.

Founder and Managing Director of Matilda Health Care, Dr Harry Pannu said the facility comes as a response to growing healthcare needs in the community.

“We saw a big demand for a co-located facility next to the hospital as this is the one of the fastest growing regions, which is set to reach a population of around three million in the next 10 to 15 years,” Pannu told the Weekender “We’ve got a rapidly ageing population in this area which brings new challenges and we noticed that these services were lacking with people going out of area for care.”

Pannu said they were honoured to join the local Penrith community and deliver excellent patient outcomes.

“Our clinician-led approach means the highest quality of care is embedded into every aspect of the patient journey, from our inpatient therapy sessions and day programs to the hospital’s boutique, hotel-like setting,” he said.

“For years to come, Matilda Nepean will support the health and wellbeing of western Sydney residents.”

The property is owned by investors in Australian Unity’s $3.7 billion Healthcare Property Trust which has signed a 30-year lease with Matilda Health Care to operate the hospital.

Australian Unity General Manager of Healthcare Property Chris Smith said he was proud to be at the fore- front when it comes to deploying private investor capital to develop high quality healthcare infrastructure across Australia and in western Sydney.

“Unlike most property developers that buy and sell assets for shortterm profit, our approach is to buy and hold the assets for the long term,” Smith said.

“We focus on delivering urgently needed healthcare infrastructure to Australian cities and regions experiencing population growth and demographic changes.”

Australian Unity also owns several parcels of land adjacent to Matilda Nepean, totalling 3,560 square metres which will be part of further long-term development according to Pannu.

“Once we get this hospital fully ramped up, we will review the local area’s needs and expand it accordingly,” Pannu said.

“We are always working hand in hand with the local healthcare sector and community to make sure we are providing the services that are needed.”

For more information about the new hospital, visit www.matildanepean.com.au.