Community
Southland Police are continuing to work hard to prevent burglaries this summer with extra patrols in high risk areas, but we need your help.
With the long days, warm weather and people leaving town, burglaries peak around January.
If you’re lucky enough to be heading away for some sunshine, please secure your home.
Burglars look for the easiest way in.
- It‘s important to close and lock windows and doors to deter burglars looking for easy access.
- Make sure you don’t leave anything out that the burglar can climb on to access a window.
- Also, consider shifting valuable items away from windows where they can be easily seen by passers-by.
Motorists are urged to take valuables with them when leaving their vehicles, whether they are parking outside their houses on dark streets or in their own driveway, acting Inspector Peter Graham said.
Burglars are largely opportunistic.
Alarms will help discourage any burglar looking for easy entry.
Locks on windows and doors can be effective, security signage, CCTV, alarms and sensor lights are all good.
Scott Anderson from Top Gear Audio & Installation says it’s important to install high-resolution cameras like the motion-sensitive 5MP Hikvision camera, managed remotely via an app on your phone. That way you can be assured of clear photos, no mistaken identity and you have clear evidence.
The harder we make it for them the less likely they are to target your street.
Also be wary of posting too much information on social media about holiday or travel plans, or photos of inside your home, as this can make your property a vulnerable target while you’re away.
Keep in contact with your neighbours, and let each other know if you notice anything unusual.
Neighbourhood Support groups can be particularly useful for this purpose.
The key message is to call Police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious at your home or a neighbour’s.
When reporting activity it’s helpful to take note of the number of people, clothing they wear, and any vehicles present.
It’s frustrating for Police to hear about an incident when it’s too late to catch anyone at the scene.
Importantly, we ask residents to not put themselves in danger or take the law into their own hands if confronted by offenders, but to instead contact Police.
Visit the NZ Police website police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/protect-property-vehicles for more useful advice.