While we reported recently that rising ‘opportunist’ crime is forcing some caravan parks to significantly beef up security measures, it is important to note that Australia is – by and large – an incredibly safe to place to travel in.
The hamlet of Jericho in central west Queensland between Emerald and Longreach is perhaps the ultimate example of that. Records show that it has been two years since the last break-in and a year since the local police officer had to deal with anything more dramatic than a traffic stop
The Queensland Police Service’s new online crime-mapping database shows that for the past year, the 300-strong outback community has had virtually no crime … with a low-level drink-driving charge the only offence.
Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Rob Chandler told the Brisbane Courier-Mail that while Jericho had dealt with disasters of biblical proportions – flooding in 2010 and 2011, bushfires in 2012 and now drought – crime was not something locals had to think about.
“I know the police say not to do it but I’m sure there are people from town who leave their keys in the car,” he said. “I know of a couple of houses where you can’t even lock them. When you’ve only got a couple of hundred people in town and a couple of strangers rock up, they’re on to them straight away.”
In the past decade, there have been around 100 crimes. A quarter were traffic offences, three were assaults and two stolen cars. Only 13 crimes are unsolved.
The town, which boasts one pub and the smallest drive-in movie theatre in the southern hemisphere, is a popular destination for people seeking a taste of the Outback.
Grey nomads and other travellers will find a full range of facilities at The Jericho Showgrounds Caravan Park. The van park is maintained by the Barcaldine Regional Council and … you’ve guessed it … payment is through an Honesty Box system!
Have you stayed in Jericho? Did you feel safe there? Do you feel less vulnerable to crime when you’re in the Outback rather than near towns and cities? Comment below
We stayed in Jericho a few years ago. We stopped at the free camp behind the town on the banks of the river. They had a donation box there which we contributed to. It was such a great spot we stayed an extra night. There was probably a dozen campers there and we felt quite safe.
Have not had the chance to get out that way. It reminds me of the time we spent in Tom Price, no locking cars or houses there either.Ain’t life great
we stopped over end of may 2013 showgrounds clean we stayed on river bank a very safe gorgeous town