Canterbury Police need your help to deter burglars

Canterbury Police are focusing on reducing burglary and want the public to assist.
 
There have been 11 burglars arrested over the past two weeks,  eight of whom have been held in custody. These arrests have resulted in a number of items being located, including a $15,000 Yamaha Power Boat motor, three motor vehicles, several firearms, more than $7300 in cash, and 110 grams of methamphetamine.
 
Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, urges common sense when it comes to deterring burglars looking for an easy target over the summer months: lock houses and cars, close windows and leave valuables out of sight.
 
This includes when you are in the garden or even if you leave your address for five minutes to go to the local shops.
 
“People do need to take a bit more ownership of their own security and think about how they can make it harder on the criminal.”
 
Deadlocks on windows and doors can be effective, security signage, CCTV, alarms and sensor lights will also clearly discourage any burglar looking for easy entry.
 
While you’re away, have a trusted friend or neighbour clear your mailbox and open/close curtains from time to time. If you plan to be out of town for a week or two, book someone to mow the lawn and set up basic automated lighting to mimic normal household use.
 
“Essentially, do what you can to try and make your place appear as though you are not away on holiday. I’d also recommend joining a Neighbourhood Support group, or creating one, whether you are in town or country.
 
“If your neighbour is away and you see something that doesn’t look right, don’t delay – call 111.”
 
If you know your neighbours well, they ought to do the same for you. The key message is call police straightaway if a suspect anything suspicious. It is frustrating for them to hear about an incident when it’s too late to catch anyone at the scene.
 
“At the very least, if there’s a vehicle involved, I’d urge people to record the number plate.”
 
Common items targeted by burglars include laptops/computers, TVs, jewellery, wallets/cash, work tools and other portable high value items.
 
Police also recommend photographing your valuables. Engrave them (with your driver’s licence number) and record serial numbers so if you do have a burglary at least it makes the job of tracking down your property a little easier. You can add your name and phone number to electronic items using a UV marker. Neighbourhood Support can provide warning stickers to put on windows as a deterrent and you can create and store an asset list of property serial numbers through a police website called SNAP, www.snap.org.nz 
 
Check your home safety on the police website: https://forms.police.govt.nz/forms/home-safety-checklist
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.