Found at a recent burglary scene, the offender has decided to write the complainant a note.
"Put your cat out and turn your alarm on dumb arse"
For once police agree.
"Please use whatever security you have - and it may be as simple as locking the back door or remembering to activate the alarm when you go out," says Inspector Gary Knowles.
Many people do not use the security they have he says, and it is not just when you are going out that you should remember.
"When you are off to bed, or just watching television, remember to lock the back door!" he says. "Take the hint and remember Fred Flintstone and the TVNZ cat; when you've put the cat out, lock the door."
While the majority of burglaries occur during the day there has been a spate of night time burglaries recently in Christchurch while people are at home and the point of entry has been an insecure door or window.
Recent files read; 'Entry via unlocked rear door', 'Entry via unlocked garage window', 'Entry via lounge window'...the list goes on.
In one case where they couldn't get the television the burglars took the school lunches from the fridge!
However about 70% of burglaries take place during the day during week days and at night in the weekends. An alarm is a deterrent to most burglars - especially when it is used!
Make things difficult for burglars, say police. They like to make easy money.