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Crime – Tips and Info

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Crime Prevention Tips – Burglary

Burglary

 
Some facts on burglary
 
Statistics show home burglaries are likely to happen during daylight hours and Friday appears to be the most popular day for this type of crime to be committed. Burglars often force open windows or doors to gain entry, although, in many cases they are either open or unlocked, even when special security devices are installed.

Jewellery is the most common item stolen by burglars. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the theft of video recorders and cameras, stereos, tapes and CDs and bicycles. Poor security measures in garages and outdoor sheds also make tools and garden implements popular targets for thieves.

 
What can you do?
 
Looking out for your neighbours is something we can all do. If you notice something suspicious, report it to police. This could be anything from an unfamiliar car or van being loaded with furniture to people jumping fences of homes you know are unoccupied.

If you see people looking over side gates and through windows, speak to them – they will move on if challenged. And if you hear breaking glass or an alarm sounding, call the police. Quick action might prevent a burglary.

By watching out for each other, you can greatly reduce the chances of a burglary occurring on your neighbourhood. Investigate support programs in your local community such as Neighbourhood Watch. A range of specific services is also available for the elderly and people who live alone.

 
Making your home secure.
 
Double-keyed deadlocks should be fitted to all perimeter doors and install key operated locks to all accessible windows. Alarm systems and security doors are also an effective deterrent.

Effective locks make it harder for burglars to enter your home and prevent thieves from leaving the home other than by the way they entered. This minimises the goods they can steal as it is very difficult to carry bulky items such as televisions and videos out through a broken window pane.

Plastic drainpipes and walls would be free of attachments to prevent climbing and skylights that open should be fitted with special locks. Front fences, trees and shrubs should be kept low so potential burglars can be easily seen. External doors should also be well lit and your house number clearly visible from the street.

Install a peep hole in your front door and fit a security chain so you can check who’s there before you decide to let them in. A safe is a good way to store some of your most valuable items such as expensive jewellery and cash.

Keep photographs of your jewellery to make it easy to identify, if stolen, and for insurance purposes. Electrical equipment should also be engraved with your driver’s licence number and the initials of the state you live in. This will help police locate and identify your goods.

 
Some simple rules to follow
 
Good security not only depends on your locks and alarms but how you go about your daily life.

 
Here are five simple rules to follow:
 

  • Lock all the doors and windows whenever you leave the house, even if it is just to go into the backyard or to the shop,
  • Don’t leave keys sitting in the lock or hung by the back door. If a thief gets the key, then all your locks are useless,
  • Good security isn’t about having the latest locks and systems, it’s about using them,
  • Leave spare keys with a trusted friend or neighbour but never in hiding places, such as under a garden pot, where a burglar can easily find them,
  • Engrave your driver’s licence number and the initials of the state you live in onto your property and record the serial numbers. And don’t forget the items in the garage or outdoor shed. This will help identify anything if it is stolen.

 

See Something, Hear Something, Say Something!
Call Crime Stoppers

1800 333

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