Keeping yourself safe at home

New Zealand is a safe and peaceful place to live and visit. However, it is still important to know how to stay safe, to ensure yourself and others feel safe.

One of the best actions you can take to keep yourself safe at home is to get to know your neighbours. If you have crime or safety concerns about your neighbourhood, you can get in touch with your local police, who will be happy to discuss these with you.

Remember, in an emergency, call 111.

Other safety tips include:

• Secure your doors, windows, sheds and garages with good quality locks. Install security stays on windows, especially those on ground level.
• Don’t answer the door for someone you don’t know or don’t want in your home. Ask for identification if they say they represent a company. If you’re outside for an extended time, e.g. in the garden, lock your front door.

For older people, you may also want to consider:

• Having a phone by your bed.
• Arranging with a neighbour to phone or visit you if your curtains are still drawn after a certain time in the morning.
• Having a personal or medical alarm that you can press in an emergency.
• Only discussing financial personal details with people you know and trust.

If you are cheated or scammed, tell Police. If you suspect somebody else has been, you can contact Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern or local Police for advice.

Safer communities together

A connected community is a safe community. Make your community a safer place by getting to know your neighbours.

• Help out your neighbours when they are going away, e.g. by bringing in their mail, mowing their lawn, or parking in their driveway. A “lived in” house is less likely to get burgled.
• Find ways to connect and bring your neighbours together. Discuss issues affecting your community.
• Look out for your neighbours and reach out to people who may not have a support network.
• If you’re concerned about the welfare of someone in your community, don’t hesitate to let Police know.

Further information and support

Neighbourhood Support

Neighbourhood Support works with Police to bring neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient and connected communities. To learn more about starting or joining a Neighbourhood Support group, visit or call:

www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz | 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS

Ethnic and Pacific Liaison Officers

Police has specialist liaison officers working in communities around the country. They are happy to listen to any concerns and work with you to improve safety in your communities.

Visit here to find your Ethnic or Pacific Liaison Officer

Disasters and emergencies

Disasters can affect essential services and disrupt your ability to travel or communicate with loved ones. It’s important to be prepared and have everything you need to get you through.

Create an emergency plan:

Agree on a household emergency plan. This will help you to respond quicker when a disaster happens. It should include:

• Where you will meet loved ones
• Where emergency items are stored
• Who to contact if you need help.

Prepare emergency survival supplies:

Store enough supplies for at least three days. Regularly check everything is in working order and not out-of-date. You should also have essential emergency items in your workplace and vehicles.

Put together a getaway bag:

In an emergency, you may need to leave in a hurry. Everyone should have an easily accessible pre-packed getaway bag at home and work which can include:

• Clean clothes
• Toiletries
• Emergency water
• First aid supplies
• Important documents
• Waterproof torch, radio and spare batteries
• Light non-perishable food such as energy bars or dried fruit.

Remove hazards:

Where possible and safe, remove hazards around your home and neighbourhoods that are potentially harmful – e.g. by tidying footpaths or removing dead trees and branches near roadways or buildings.

Home Safety Checklist

Complete our Online Home Safety Checklist

You will be emailed tips on how to secure your home.

Crime prevention video

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