Speaking during National Consumer Fraud Week (March 1-7) Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor and Police Minister Neil Roberts warned people about the increasing number of scams being received electronically via email and text message.

The warning follows an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report released showing that Australians lost almost $70 million through scams in 2009.

The scams seem to come from legitimate businesses, often banks or telecommunication companies, and have an authentic feel about them.

For more information on protecting yourself from scams, visit www. fairtrading.qld.gov.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Anyone with information about any other crime below is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, Capalaba police on 3433 3333, Cleveland police on 38249333, Dunwich police on 3409 6020, Redland Bay police on 38294111, Macleay Island police on 34094722, or Russell Island police on 34091244.

Alexandra Hills

*Rocks were thrown through the rear window of a church on Windemere Road between 6pm on Saturday, February 20 and 6.45am on Sunday, February 21.

*A house in Hailsham Street was egged at 11pm on Thursday, February 25.

Birkdale

*An iPod was stolen from a youth at the Birkdale Railway Station between 5.30pm and 5.45pm on Monday, February 22.

*A break and enter at a house on Lemongrove Road and a car break-in at the same residence between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday, February 23. A flyscreen was cut and no property was stolen from the house, but money was stolen from the car outside.

*A bicycle was smashed to pieces at Birkdale Railway Station between 12.30pm on Friday, February 26 and 9.40am on Saturday, February 27.

*Break and enter at a house in Wahoo Court between 8pm on Thursday, February 25 and 10am on Saturday, February 26. A handbag containing a purse, contents and mobile phone were stolen.