Social Media Becomes Key Platform For Reporting Crimes In The Whitsundays

In recent weeks, local Facebook pages have become an increasingly popular tool for reporting crimes, sharing information, and seeking assistance from the Whitsunday community.
Platforms like Whitsunday Noticeboard and Whitsundays Chat are being used by residents not only to expose criminal activity but also to encourage people with information to come forward, helping to enhance community safety and aid investigations.
One notable example involved a reckless driver on Beach Road, Cannonvale. A black ute with purple flecks was reportedly seen performing dangerous burnouts and driving erratically before crashing into a parked boat owned by a local resident.
The crash allegedly caused significant damage to the boat, leaving debris and pieces of the vehicle at the scene, along with tyre marks on the road.
This prompted the local resident to turn to social media, where they posted details of the incident and appealed to anyone who might have seen the vehicle or has information to come forward. The post quickly garnered attention, with community members offering support and helping to spread the word.
Another similar instance occurred over the Christmas period, when a resident shared a concerning photo on social media showing a car driving onto a property in Preston and filming the sheds near Orchid Creek.
While no crime was committed at the scene, the resident considered the behaviour to be suspicious, and posted the image of the vehicle on social media to raise awareness, advising others to lock up their properties securely and remain alert to potential threats.
The post generated numerous comments from community members, who shared similar experiences and emphasised the need for everyone to take extra precautions during the holiday season.
In a separate incident, a break-in occurred on Myer Lasky Drive between 6.30pm and 7am on Saturday, December 28.
While nothing was stolen, the perpetrators caused damage to the property, breaking windows and leaving the premises in disarray.
The resident, who posted about the incident on Whitsunday Noticeboard, confirmed that they had reported the break-in to the police but also encouraged the community to share any information that might help identify the culprits.
The post prompted a wave of support, with several residents offering tips or recalling similar incidents in the area.
These incidents highlight how social media has become a popular platform for Whitsunday residents to communicate and collaborate on issues of safety and security. By quickly sharing details of suspicious behaviour or criminal activity, community members can alert others, raise awareness, and help law enforcement gather information.
Residents are reminded, however, that calling the police should be the first action when a crime is witnessed.

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A live camera feed at a property in Preston where a motorist was allegedly spotted filming some sheds. Image sourced: Facebook
The damage to a boat on Beach Road in Cannonvale, tyre marks can be seen swerving towards the parked vessel. Image sourced: Facebook
Damage to the boat on Beach Road. Image sourced: Facebook

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