After 13 years on the Board, Michael Roncato is retiring from his role as Deputy Chair of Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), formerly Burdekin Cane and Agriculture Organisation (BCAO).

A cane farmer of nearly 30 years, Michael was asked to join the board in 2010, then called the Pioneer Cane Growers Organisation Ltd.

He has filled many roles over the years, including Chairman before stepping down to allow Charles Quagliata to take over the role.

“My father, at a rather early age, took a step back to allow me to prosper, so I want to do the same thing at QCAR and go out on a high to allow new blood to come in,” he said.

“I truly believe that every farmer should do a term on the board.

“I have learnt so much, things that you didn’t worry about when you were just farming.

“You need the board.

“When you’re on the board and you see what goes on, you realise how much they do.”

Michael stepped up to his new responsibilities almost immediately as he was heavily involved in the Queensland sugar marketing dispute stemming from the infamous and unprecedented events of the 2010 season.

He also advocated passionately to keep Queensland Sugar Limited in the Burdekin in 2017, providing his membership with a choice of sugar marketer.

Throughout the highs and lows of his tenure, however, Michael’s QCAR legacy will remain, having spearheaded the creation of QCAR through the intuitive collaboration of BCAO and AgForce Cane Limited following efforts to achieve BCAO’s visions for representational unification.

This merger was one of his key goals and was achieved in February 2023, allowing Michael to leave the board on a high.

“This couldn’t have been done without the genuine support of both boards, but especially Charles (Quagliata, QCAR Chair) and Russell (Hall, AgForce Cane Limited President), effectively delivering on what the respective members wanted,” he said.

“We got it to a certain stage but then those two pulled it off.

“It wouldn’t have happened without them, and it needed to happen.”

The QCAR Board farewelled Michael at a Christmas breakup earlier this week where Charles ceremoniously presented him with a framed cane knife gift and thanked him for his service and commitment to the QCAR membership impacting the entire sugar cane industry.

“It’s not an easy job, being a director on the board,” Charles said.

“There’s a lot of unaccounted time that gets put in, especially in the last year with the unification process.

“We’ve already started to see the benefits of building a larger, stronger and more resilient membership base.

“Michael’s supportive vision in being able to see the importance of such benefits  has established the foundations for enhanced representation on a state and national level.

“Such representation now enables us to advocate more effectively for our members as a vital voice playing a pivotal role in fostering the enduring success of Queensland’s agricultural industry.”

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QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato and CEO Panikos Spyrou

L-R AgForce Cane President & QCAR Director Russell Hall, QCAR Director Peter Papadimitriou, QCAR CSO Michael Kern, QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou, QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato, QCAR Director Christian Lago, QCAR and ACFA Director Dean Sgroi and QCAR Director Frank Mugica

Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The market axiom that “high prices cure high prices” has played out with our sugar market over the last month.

The breathtaking collapse of the ICE #11 sugar contract has been one for the record books! Combined with a rising AUD, this has resulted in the 2023 season AUD sugar swap price dropping from a record $950/t to a low $750/t. 2024 season prices are slightly less affected with a fall from a season high of $850/t to just under $700/t.

So, what happened? In simple terms a combination of fundamental news items resulted in cautious selling by the commercial sector, which triggered a technical selling spree from the speculators sitting on a stale long position.

The short-term supply outlook changed as Brazil continued to crush through the November rain and progress shipping at a higher than expected rate. The inverted futures market structure, March 24 higher than May 24, was built on the premise that a first quarter trade deficit existed as conditions precluded Brazil to harvest and ship their estimated record crop of up to 660M tonnes of cane.

The extended crush has pushed out the estimate for Brazilian sugar to over 42M tonnes which has eaten into the deficit for 23/24 season. Moreover, the rain has been welcome for Brazil’s 24/25 production estimate, lifting the forecast up to 43.5M tonnes and eroding the projected trade deficit for next year.

India added fuel to the fire via news the government was discouraging mills to produce ethanol in favour of sugar this season just started. In response to a reduced crop, largely due to a poor monsoon, the government is focusing on sugar production. It is anticipated that this will not result in Indian exports but there had been growing speculation that India would need to import sugar to meet domestic consumption needs.

In other production countries: Chinese production has been upgraded by about 1 million tonnes; similarly Europe, Ukraine and Russia forecasts have been upgraded as beet production has been favourable.

Overall, these supply responses have erased the projected supply and demand deficits for both 23/24 and 24/25 seasons.

The positive news is that projected consumption numbers have largely not been impacted by the period of higher prices. It appears the global appetite for sugar can withstand elevated sugar prices without a significant decrease in demand. Will the current price declines be enough to trigger an uptick in demand as countries move to rebuild depleted stocks?

If you’d like to know more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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There was plenty of festive fun and laughter at the Burdekin Theatre last week as nearly 60 growers, extension officers and service providers attended the NQ Dry Tropics End Of Year Sugar Celebration.

It was a chance to come together and raise a glass in recognition of a productive year across a variety of irrigation, nutrient and pesticide efficiency projects taking place in the lower Burdekin.

Staff from NQ Dry Tropics, Sugar Research Australia, Farmacist and Aglantis updated attendees on the progress of various regional initiatives supporting growers to increase their bottom line while minimising water quality impacts.

But the night was mainly about socialising, with the sugar trivia quiz a particular highlight.

NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt said strong partnerships across the sector were helping to ensure funding translated into on-ground success.

“Tremendous progress has been made towards improving irrigation, nutrient and pesticide management on farms across the lower Burdekin,” Mr Hunt said.

“Growers and industry have been enthusiastically engaged in a range of on-ground projects, and all of the delivery partners have been working overtime to guide and assist farmers who are implementing over 400 individual projects on their farms.

“This hard work has borne fruit, with additional investment coming into the region from iconic Queensland Beer brand XXXX, to complement the projects funded through the partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.”

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L-R Sonya and Chris Hesp, Terry Granshaw (Sugar Research Australia) and Arwen Rickert (BBIFMAC)

L-R Chris Doblo (Farmacist), Luke Malan (Aglantis), Michael Hobbs (NQ Dry Tropics)

Denis Pozzebon and Armin Wessel

Amy and Aaron Linton

L-R Brenda Balmer, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin (NQ Dry Tropics Deputy Chair), Sharon Contzonis

L-R Rob Milla (Burdekin Productivity Services), Jack Edwards, Joseph Magatello.

NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt

Peter and Brenda Matthews

Joyce and Jim Richardson

L-R Peter Rubiolo, Armin Wessel, John Gorizio, Brian Gorizio.

L-R Rhonda Mann, Arwin Rickert, Lisa Pozzebon

L-R Sarah Willis (NQ Dry Tropics), with Annie Matthews, Scott Matthews, Peter Matthews and Brenda Matthews

L-R Heath Salter, Fiona Salter, Fiona Villis and Paul Villis

Kay and Frank Scuderi

L-R Ross Parker, Jack Edwards and Joseph Magatelli

NQ Dry Tropics Sugar Team Leader Luke Clark

Photos supplied: NQ Dry Tropics

Following a busy year of art activity, the students who attend the Burdekin Art Society Art Classes welcomed their families to their annual exhibition of work and Christmas party on the December 5 at the McMillan Street Clubhouse.

Over the year, between 18 and 21 primary children have attended Tuesday afternoon classes where they have dabbled in a variety of different painting techniques, drawing, sculpturing, collage, construction and more.

Each child had a ‘gallery’ of their favourite art pieces on display for family to see, including creations from our Home Hill Canefields Ephemera entry.

There were also craft tables of Christmas activities for everyone to participate in.

Barb, Luisa and Georgia would like to thank all the families who have been involved in Art Classes for 2023.

Contributed by Burdekin Art Society

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the Art Class for 2023 with teachers, Luisa, Georgia and Barb at the back

Lola Smith with her artwork display

Families participating in the craft tables

Photos supplied

The Burdekin Art Society held their annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition on November 11, across the road from the Mardi Gras in the Lower Burdekin Water Board building.

It was a colourful display of 82 paintings by members of the club.

The People’s Choice awards for this year, sponsored again by Margaret Mary Spottiswood Bland, went to Luisa Delle Baite with ‘Floral Delight’ (first) and Maria Torrisi with ‘Friendship’ (second).

The winner of our raffle was drawn with Margaret Redweik ‘taking home’ a lovely Australian landscape painting by Graham W Smith.

Burdekin Art Society would like to thank the people of the Burdekin for supporting our exhibition again this year – for coming in to view the display and in painting sales.

Contributed by Burdekin Art Society

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First People’s Choice winner LuisaDelle Baite

Photo supplied

The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Burdekin community gathered at the touch fields in Ayr last Sunday, December 10 for the Community Christmas Carols.

With local entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and a very special visit from Santa, everyone revelled in the Christmas cheer.

Entertainment was provided by The Burdekin Academy, Perform Music, Malia Ma’u, Uniting Church members and so many more, showcasing our region’s talent and passion for the community.

“The Carols are a great way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and to bring the community together,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

“We are very lucky to have such a strong supportive community.”

View the gallery here

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The community gathered on Sunday for the Community Christmas Carols. Photo credit: Melanie Napier

Hi Readers

As promised, I’m back from Brisbane with stories of an epic weekend of live music seeing The War On Drugs and just one regret: I neglected to buy a t-shirt.

I hope those who attended Sunday’s Christmas Carols had an excellent afternoon – from all reports and photos, it looked like a terrific and festive time and proves that Christmas spirit is well and truly in the Ayr.

Flick to page 27 to check out all the photos from the night, and thank you to Melanie Napier for taking some fantastic photos at the event.

If you missed out last weekend or simply can’t get enough Christmas cheer, there are more opportunities this Sunday.

The Burdekin Uniting Church’s Christmas Carols in the Park is happening at Home Hill Park from 4:30pm to 7:30pm where the Burdekin Brass Band and Home Hill Choral Society will be providing music for the community to sing along to, with a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available from the Burdekin Chaplains.

The Burdekin Catholic Parish will also host Christmas Carols from 7:00pm Sunday at St Colman’s Church, Home Hill.

‘Tis the season for Christmas parties and the Burdekin Chamber, Burdekin Shire Council and Burdekin Community Association celebrated their members and volunteers recently with Christmas celebrations – you can see the photos from these on pages 5, 12-13 and 28 respectively.

If your workplace or organisation is hosting a Christmas party, I hope it’s a fun and safe one and a good occasion to reflect on a successful 2023.

Rotary Club of Ayr says no to Domestic Violence and has raised funds towards the Burdekin DV Support at Burdekin Community Association (BCA).

Club champions Narelle Hibberd and Shane Moon have guided the club over the years with different activities raising funds towards projects with one of these being home starter kits for families in crisis.

Senior member Frank Nucifora presented BCA CEO Debra Cochrane with a cheque for $562 towards the DV starter kits at the Rotary Club’s shed meeting last Thursday evening, December 7.

This funding was raised from a raffle held over the past couple of weeks.

“A big thank you to the community and members for the support behind this initiative,” the Rotary Club of Ayr said.

Members also got behind the BCA Christmas Hampers appeal and presented the donations of food items.

Debra gave a speech of thanks to the members present and how it will help the community in need.

Last week, on a separate gifting to the community, Frank presented the donations of Christmas Cakes to BCA and Meals on Wheels.

Rotary Club of Ayr supports the annual donations towards these organisations.

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BCA CEO Debra Cochran accepted a donation from the Rotary Club Ayr

Jumping on a trampoline is a sensation that all children should experience, and one that some may take for granted, and the Burdekin Special School (BSS) P&C has been fundraising to ensure its students don’t miss out.

After over two years of fundraising, the P&C has almost raised the funds required for the installation of inground trampolines and is calling on the community for one final push to get them over the line.

The funds will be used to install at least two inground trampolines, at least one of which will be wheelchair accessible, with early stages of construction underway.

“They are not like your traditional trampolines with springs, they’re more like a network of plastic pieces that have the give to make it move which is how they’re wheelchair accessible and why they’re safe for the kids with disabilities,” said Burdekin Special School P&C Treasurer Joe Carrington.

“It’s a playground level trampoline so the kids aren’t going to be bouncing massive heights, it’s a little bit of bounce that’s going to give our kids something different and a little bit extra in terms of their gross motor skills.”

Five out of the 22 students enrolled in the school are in wheelchairs, while the school only has one piece of wheelchair accessible equipment in the playground and one wheelchair accessible swing in the gross motor room.

“This gives us another opportunity for our kids with wheelchairs to be able to be included with their peers,” Ms Carrington said.

“It’s not a sensation they would feel on a regular basis, so it’s exciting and fun for them.”

Thanks to the generosity of the Burdekin community and assistance from the Department of Education, the P&C are closing in on a fundraising target of $132,000, with about $2,000 left to raise.

The committee has been busy fundraising through raffles, barbecues at the markets, a cookie dough fundraiser and candy shop and lob-a-choc stalls at community events.

The school was also supported by Attori the Entertainers and the Queens Hotel with an 80s show held in April where ticket sales were donated to the school.

“We really appreciate when people in the community can help us, whether it be in direct donations, whether it’s supporting us through raffles or at the markets, or donating their time and their talents,” said Ms Carrington.

It is hoped that the project will be close to completion by the start of the 2024 school year, with the installation of shade sails to come after that.

The P&C will be holding raffles and money boards in term 1, 2024 at Woolworths Ayr, Woods Newsagency and Home Hill News and Coffee.

Contact the Burdekin Special School on 07 4790 3111 or email principal@burdekinspecs.eq.edu.au for more information.

Burdekin Special School P&C Treasurer Joe Carrington and President Shane Robinson

Burdekin Special School students Jett Robinson, Marilyn Hunter, Aiden Carrington and Jake Stevenson

The Burdekin Chamber, formerly known as Ayr Chamber of Commerce, wrapped up a big 2023 with a Christmas breakup hosted by Blinds 2 U in Home Hill.

Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford said reflecting on 2023 fills him with pride and optimism.

“This year, marked by our transition from the Ayr Chamber of Commerce, has been a journey of transformation and growth,” he said.

“Our hugely successful Chamber Connect events have been a significant highlight, offering varied and insightful platforms for networking and learning.”

Mr Kefford said the expansion of Chamber Connect themes to include a wider range of business sectors and relevant community issues has been one of the Chamber’s most successful initiatives this year.

“This approach has not only broadened participation but also enriched the resources and support we provide to our members,” he said.

“It’s a reflection of our commitment to evolving and adapting to the diverse needs of our business community.

“From the informative session on crime prevention with the Ayr Police to the diverse business insights at events like the one at Nutrien Harcourts McCathies, each gathering has fostered a deeper sense of community and collaboration.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Mr Kefford said he’s excited about introducing more targeted events, training opportunities and initiatives, further strengthening the Chamber’s advocacy role to ensure that the voices of Burdekin businesses are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

“We aim to continue enhancing the business environment in our region and supporting each member's growth and success,” he said.

“To our chamber members and the business community, I express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and active participation.

“Your engagement is the cornerstone of our collective achievements.

“As we step into the new year, I encourage each of you to reflect on your successes and achievements that you have achieved and share these on social media and with each other.  

“In unity and with a shared vision for safety, growth, and excellence, let’s look forward to a prosperous 2024.

“Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in the Burdekin region.”

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L-R Lisa Kefford, Trevor, Pierina Dalle Cort, Laurence, Marisa Zanella, Linda Butler, Leigh Kefford, Laurinda George, Dale Last, Chandler Taylor and Onni Joma

Marcus and Chandler of Blinds 2 U hosted the event with a barbecue and a tour of their showroom and manufacturing facilities

The recent threat of a tropical cyclone has prompted our local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, to remind everyone that volunteering for the community is very important.

Mr Last said that the Christmas spirit and the motivation behind volunteering were more similar than what many may think.

“What greater gift can you give than to volunteer your time to keep your community safe,” he asked.

“There’s a wide range of roles within volunteer groups that not only cater to people’s skills and abilities but also to their other responsibilities.”

The Christmas period is an ideal time for community members to consider putting themselves forward to assist the community in times of need according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Having served as an Auxiliary Firefighter, Mr Last said the value of volunteers in communities like the Burdekin was often only highlighted during the response to a disaster; a trend he was hoping to reverse.

“There is more to responding to major events and disasters than what the public sees,” Mr Last said.  “Last week local volunteers were already preparing for the possible impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper so there is a considerable amount of work falling on a small group of people.”

“Groups like the SES, VMR, the Rural Fire Service and our Auxiliary Firefighters are called upon throughout the year so, even outside of the larger disaster scenarios, the role volunteers play in the community cannot be understated.”

“Regardless of the impacts from Cyclone Jasper, we know that over the summer period there is usually increased demand on emergency services volunteers so putting your hand up now really could make a huge difference.”

“There is a host of information available online for people who are interested in playing their part and I would encourage people to at least think about whether this is something that they could do to support others. I know that a few extra members would be a great Christmas gift for our emergency services volunteers and our community as a whole.”

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Representatives from Woongaloo Rural Fire Service with Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP. Photo supplied

For NQ Primary Health Network

More than 150 primary health care service contracts have been delivered across north Queensland, valued at more than $63.7 million, as outlined in the recent Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) 2022-23 Annual Report.

Other significant milestones have been highlighted, including more than 4,000 engagements with primary health providers and notable advancements in mental health services.

Board Chair Terry Mehan said NQPHN was committed to strategically advancing health care access and outcomes for North Queenslanders.

“Our focus is to commission primary health care services that cater to the unique health needs of our region, ensuring quality healthcare reaches every corner of North Queensland,” he said.

A significant NQPHN accomplishment in the 2022-23 financial year included collaboration with the Groundswell Project to conduct Compassionate Communities train-the-trainer workshops.

NQPHN Executive Director Health System Integration and Innovation Karin Barron said during the 2022-23 financial year, NQPHN continued to take a leading role in engaging and supporting primary care providers through various capability and capacity-building activities.

“Our teams trained more than 380 health community connectors across North Queensland to play a stronger role in supporting local people and families during end-of-life experiences,” she said.

“One of the face-to-face workshops was held in Ayr, with 20 residents registering to become health community connectors.

“The Burdekin health community connectors are engaged when there’s a referral for informal wraparound support for individuals and families who are affected by life-limiting illnesses.

“When they are not supporting people, they signpost and share information as proactive community members.”

Meanwhile, an ambitious 12-month program to dramatically improve access to culturally safe health assessments and coordinated care for First Nations people was also a highlight of 2022-23 financial year.

With 13.75 per cent of the identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of northern Queensland having a billed 715 Health Assessment in a 12-month period, the First Nations Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program was developed to improve access.

“The program attracted 75 participating health services, with more than 545 face-to-face and virtual education event participants,” Ms Barron said.

NQPHN’s 2022-23 Annual Report can be viewed at annualreport.nqphn.com.au.

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Healthy End of Life Program (HELP) Impact and Engagement Coordinator Niki Read

Over 900 native seedlings have been planted along the sand dunes of Wunjunga in order to stabilise the dunes and protect access roads from storm surges and future extreme weather events.

The Community Planting Day included the planting of beach bean, goat’s foot and brown cudgerie, and were selected due to their ability to withstand hard coastal conditions.

Event organiser, NQ Dry Tropics Project Officer Darcy Roeger, praised attendees for turning out in numbers to help protect the beautiful natural environment.

“It was great to see so many people from the area getting involved in the planting,” Mr Roeger said.

“The heat didn’t diminish the enthusiasm of this proud community and I’m excited to see this site grow into a more valuable beach scrub.

“I would also like to thank Lower Burdekin Landcare, Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare and Whitsundays Landcare for the plants they supplied.

“It’s comforting to know that between the propagation and the planting, these trees have had the best start they can get.”

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said she was proud of the community effort.

“It was wonderful to see people from different backgrounds and ages joining forces to protect our precious sand dunes,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“These dunes are vital for our coastal resilience and biodiversity, and they need our care and attention.

“The planting sites were chosen based on the Dune Management Strategy, adopted by Council in December 2021, which identified them as high-risk areas that could be breached by severe storms.

“By restoring the native vegetation, we are strengthening the dunes and ensuring their survival for future generations.

“This is part of an ongoing collaboration between NQ Dry Tropics, Wunjunga Progress Association and Gudjuda Reference Group, who have done a remarkable job in preserving our natural heritage."

Following this event, the total of plants planted at Wunjunga are more than 2,400.

The volunteers on the day also constructed 1.6-kilometres of beachfront fencing and erected signage discouraging vehicles driving on dunes.

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The volunteer effort at the Wunjunga Community Planting Day. Photo credit: Melanie Napier

The Burdekin Mothers Union group held a service at All Saints Anglican Church as part of the 16 Days of Activism for gender-based violence.  

The service was attended by parishioners, members of the Burdekin Community Association, the Ayr police service and our local Zonta group.  

Rebecca Grogan, Housing And Community Support Service Manager from BCA, was the guest speaker and gave us some interesting information about domestic violence in our community.  

We prayed for victims of domestic violence and for those who work hard to support victims and prevent domestic violence in our community.  

The congregations of All Saints, Ayr and St Helens Home Hill collect toiletry products to make hygiene packs that are distributed to victims who need to leave their homes without anything.  

Contributed by Karen Allen

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Rebecca Grogan, Housing And Community Support Service Manager, Burdekin Community Association

Crch Warden Dianne Statham

Judith and Isabel from Zonta NQ and Reverend Karen

Photos supplied

If you are the holder of a current Qld Weapons Licence, I would remind you to check the expiry date of that licence to ensure it is current.  Ayr Police are experiencing an increase in the numbers of people attending the station after their Weapons Licence has expired.  

A brand new licence application then has to be submitted from scratch.  

There are a couple of benefits to renewing your weapons licence rather than it expire and they are (current as of 1 July, 2023):

New weapons licence application fee is $117.61 per year

5yr new licence is $294.20;

10yr renewal is $388.50;

Permit to Acquire is $44.47;

Further, if your weapons licence expires and you have a weapon, you can no longer possess that weapon.  It must be stored with a person who holds a weapons licence for that class of weapon but only for a maximum time of three (3) months.  Otherwise, it should be stored with a local firearm dealer possibly with a fee attached.

Take a moment and check the expiry date of your weapons licence now to make sure it’s current and when you need to renew it by.  Remember, it remains the responsibility of the licence holder to ensure their weapon licence is current.

Merging – who gives way

The situation where a driver merges from two to one lane of traffic, the question of who gives way is confusing for many drivers.  The below examples outline which driver is responsible for giving way and one of the key indicators that will be seen from the two diagrams, is the presence or absence of short broken lines at the end of the terminating lane.

Example 1

A driver in a line of traffic that is merging with another lane of traffic (travelling in the same direction) must give way to a vehicle in another line of traffic if any part of the vehicle is ahead of the driver’s vehicle.

Regulation 149 Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rule) Regulation 2009

While this sounds complicated to many, the below diagram clearly demonstrates what it required.

Vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Example 2

A driver on a road with 2 or more lines of traffic (travelling in the same direction) who is moving from one line of traffic to another line of traffic, must give way to any vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver in the line of traffic to which the driver is moving.

Regulation 148 Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009

Once again, while this sounds complicated to many, the below diagram clearly demonstrates what it required.

Vehicle B must give way to vehicle A.

Vehicle Security

From time to time, vehicles are unlawfully entered with belongings stolen and sometimes vehicles are stolen.  

Some easy steps will help avoid being a victim of these types of offences:

• Lock your car;

• Do not leave the key in the ignition;

• Do not leave valuables in the car.

Thieves don’t care whether you think you should have to lock up, they will just take advantage of any lax security.

Snr Sgt Steve Barton

OIC Ayr