IT’S time for your weekly emergency services update for Port Stephens.

Bushfire Danger Period

April sees the end of what was a very wet Bushfire Danger Period.

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Permits are no longer required in rural areas, but you still need to advise NSW Rural Fire Service of any plans to burn.

For anyone in Raymond Terrace or Heatherbrae, it is still a requirement to seek a fire permit all year round from Fire and Rescue NSW and follow Port Stephens Council’s outdoor burning policy.

If you’re not sure if you are in an urban area under the supervision of Rural Fire Rescue or Fire and Rescue NSW, reach out to either organisation, and they will be glad to help.

Flooding

Crews at NSW SES Port Stephens have continued to work hard over the past week, with calls to animal flood rescues, water ingress into properties, roof damage, trees down and homes isolated.

With damaging winds and more rain forecast for the next week, the SES Unit are preparing for another challenging week.

Thank you for all you’re doing for the community throughout this tough time.

Steal From Motor Vehicle Theft

The Port Stephens Hunter Police District is issuing a reminder about Steal From Motor Vehicle (SFMV) offence prevention.

“In most SFMV offences we see that valuables, including wallets and garage door openers are left in unlocked cars.

“As a result of these offences, we often see further offences such as Stolen Vehicles, Break and Enters and Fraud Offences (such as PayWave frauds),” a representative from the district said.

Keep your valuables safely inside your locked house.

Double check your car is locked.

Try installing a camera or sensor light system where you park your car.

Report all offences to the Police.

“Port Stephens Hunter Police District monitors these offences and task patrols of the problem areas to actively target known offenders and provide a deterrent to would-be thieves,” the district said.

Heatherbrae Robbery

A joint investigation identified a 23-year-old male responsible for two robberies that occurred in Heatherbrae and Cameron Park.

He was arrested and charged and has been refused bail until next court appearance.

Marine Rescue

At approximately 11:30AM on Saturday 2 April, Marine Rescue Port Stephens were called to a six-metre cabin runabout which was having engine issues just outside Port Stephens Heads.

The one person on board was drifting further out to sea.

While on route, a vessel had provided assistance and was towing the DV to meet up with PS31 so it could take over the tow.

Once on scene, crew Brian and Murray quickly worked to tow the vessel towards Little Beach boat ramp.

Water Vessel Safety.

Marine Rescue Port Stephens reminds all marine vessel users to log on when they head out on the water.

When you log on, whether using the Marine Rescue NSW app or via VHF Channel 16, you are ensuring that should something go wrong out on the water and you don’t Log Off, a Marine Rescue Port Stephens rescue crew will start searching for you,

“Logging on and off will give you the peace of mind that someone has your back when you are out on your boat, jet ski or paddle craft and when you have returned home safely, remember to log off,” the Marine Rescue crew said.

By Tara CAMPBELL