Invercargill Police are urging residents to secure their properties after an increase in burglaries with a large number being committed throughout the day. This has included complaints from people who have been home at the time but have left doors and windows open or unlocked.
“Whether you’re at home or not, you should continuously think about the security of your home,” says Detective Regan Fahey, Invercargill Police. “Thieves and burglars are most often opportunistic and will take every chance they can to get what they are after.”
“This includes entering your house if they know you are working in the back yard or busy in the garage.”
“There are some very simple preventative measures members of the public can take to ensure they deter opportunists as much as possible:
- Always keep your front door locked, even while you are at home;
- If you have a screen door with a lock, it’s safer to keep this locked as well; and
- Secure your windows and use locks where possible, especially when you are leaving the house.”
Police also urge any residents who see any suspicious behaviour, or people who shouldn’t be where they are, to contact police immediately by calling 111.
Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to these offences or any other dishonesty offending and ask them to contact the Invercargill Police Station on 03 211 0400.
Information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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