If you are sitting in the local park listening to the birds, you are aware that there are birds around.

If you are down by the beach you will hear the waves licking the shore, or seagulls squawking, maybe the odd surf lifesaver may walk past.

You know you are at the beach, however, do you practice good situational awareness when you are out shopping?

When your handbag is in the trolley at the supermarket and you reach for the baked beans on the top shelf, do you know who is around you?

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Have you looked?

It may be no-one, or it just may be a crook who has followed you up the aisle checking out your handbag, waiting for that split second, that moment in time where you look away for just an instant to grab that can full of plump little baked beans swimming in tomato sauce.

It doesn't take long. By the time you turn to place that can full of navy bean deliciousness into your trolley, your bag is gone.

When you have completed your shopping and you put your handbag in the passenger seat of your car and then load up your shopping in the boot or rear of the vehicle, do you lock the car doors?

Do you look around to see if anyone is hanging about taking an unhealthy interest in your handbag sitting on the front seat (or still in the trolley).

If the answer is no, think again.

It just takes a moment for someone to steal your handbag, wallet or purse.

Please be aware of who is around. Don't give the crooks a chance.

Ford invented the Ute back in the 1930s.

The front of the ute is a car and the back is a tray. It's a bit like a mechanical platypus.

Anything can go into the tray of the ute, especially toolboxes.

As a former tradie myself, I have had utes and I have had toolboxes. I have also had locks that go on the toolboxes.

Please if you have a toolbox on your ute. Lock it and make sure that the toolbox cannot be lifted out and taken away.

Remember you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police or ringing Crime Stoppers. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

Don't forget, cops are tops.