Ascot Crime Prevention Focus Targets Home And Vehicle Security

Police in Ascot have focused on home and property security messaging during high-visibility patrols, reminding residents to review everyday steps that can reduce opportunistic crime.



High-Visibility Patrols Across Key Streets

On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, police from the Gateway Crime Prevention Unit attended Racecourse Road, Allen Street and Balowrie Street in Ascot. The activity included high-visibility foot patrols, conversations with residents, and the distribution of crime prevention information.

Police advised that most property and vehicle crime is opportunistic and can occur at any time of the day or night.

Ascot crime prevention
Photo Credit: QPS

Ascot Home Security Advice Shared With Residents

Residents were encouraged to regularly assess their home security, introduce targeted measures where needed, and adjust daily habits to reduce risk. Key principles promoted include making it easy for an offender to be seen, making it difficult to gain entry, making it difficult to exit with property, and making it difficult to gain benefit from stolen items.

A layered assessment approach was promoted, starting from the outside of the home and working inward.

home security
Photo Credit: QPS

Layered Checks Residents Can Apply

The Home Security Guide outlines six layers for reviewing home security, covering the external perimeter, access points such as doors and windows, internal security features, security systems, protection of valuables, and personal security behaviours.

The guide prompts residents to consider visibility and identification, including clearly visible house numbers and trimming vegetation that may conceal doors and windows. It also suggests sensor lighting in high-risk areas to alert residents to movement outside at night.

property crime
Photo Credit: QPS

For entry resistance, the guide highlights securing external doors and frames with adequate locks and other security features, and protecting windows with measures such as locks or security screens. It also prompts residents to secure other access points, including roof access points, access holes and garage doors, and to keep outside areas clear of items that could be used as ladders.

The guidance also covers internal controls such as internal door and window locks, keeping keys removed from locks, and ensuring the door from the garage into the house is lockable. It lists security systems such as CCTV cameras and alarms, including maintenance considerations and the ability to alert residents for follow-up action.

Property Protection And Reporting Options

The guide prompts residents to keep keys and valuable items out of sight, ensure installed safes are securely anchored, and consider property identification and recording practices. It also outlines storage requirements for licensed firearms and ammunition.



Police encouraged anyone with information to report via Policelink’s online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers by phone or online.

Published 4-Feb-2026

The Eagle Farm Siege: A Historical Look at Courage and Crisis

The usually calm atmosphere of Eagle Farm Airport was shattered by an unexpected crisis.



On 26 July, 1985, Michael Petrovic, a 41-year-old man from Alexandra Hills, boarded a sightseeing helicopter flight with his two young children. What began as a routine family outing quickly escalated into one of Queensland’s most tense hostage situations.

 Eagle Farm Siege
Photo Credit: National Library Australia

While mid-air over Currumbin, Mr Petrovic brandished a sawn-off shotgun, demanding the pilot fly them to a US airbase in Japan. Unable to meet the demand, the helicopter made an emergency landing at Eagle Farm Airport under the guise of refuelling. Once on the tarmac, Mr Petrovic seized control of a fuel tanker, spreading aviation fuel across the ground and even onto his children, all while firing two warning shots into the air.

A Man in Crisis

The events at Eagle Farm were deeply rooted in personal anguish. Mr Petrovic had recently gone through a difficult divorce, and the emotional toll seemed to drive his desperate actions. His children, aged just 8 and 9, remained startlingly calm throughout, seen playing on the fuel tanker and near the helicopter as their father held authorities at bay.

The Negotiators Step In

The Queensland Police Emergency Squad arrived on the scene, tasked with preventing tragedy. Among them were Sergeant Ron Strong and Constable Denver Monley. Negotiations began under immense pressure, with Sgt Strong addressing Mr Petrovic by his Slavic name, ‘Mischa,’ in an effort to build trust. Over four tense hours, Sgt Strong carefully reassured Mr Petrovic, promising to ensure the safety of his children.

Finally, after hours of patient negotiation, Mr Petrovic surrendered peacefully. No lives were lost, and the children were unharmed—an outcome that stood as a testament to the skill and resolve of the negotiators.

Honouring Bravery

In the years that followed, Sgt Strong and Cst Monley were recognised for their heroism. In 1989, Sgt Strong received the Australia Bravery Medal, and in 1994, he was awarded the National Medal for his dedication to duty in hazardous circumstances. Sgt Strong eventually retired in 2003 at the rank of Inspector.

Lessons from Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm siege remains a poignant chapter in Brisbane’s history. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between authority and empathy in crisis situations. The incident is often studied as a model of successful negotiation under extreme pressure.



Though decades have passed, the story of Eagle Farm continues to resonate—a moment where calm words, trust, and courage prevailed over chaos.

Published 2-Jan-2024