Counties Manukau Police are advising residents to remember the most basic of home security rules to help prevent their homes from being burgled: lock your doors.
Police intelligence gathering has found that more burglaries are taking place in the late evening. With summer just around the corner, more residents are taking the opportunity to enjoy the evening sun with barbeques and activities taking place at the back of the house.
The message from Counties Manukau Police to residents in the District is to ensure you are taking basic precautions when you leave your home. If you have an alarm, set it every time you leave the house. Doors and windows should have security locks on them to deter would-be burglars.
With a few smart prevention tips our community can become an even safer place, says Counties Manukau Police Prevention Manager Inspector Richard Middleton.
"Burglars are opportunistic at the best of times, and we advise residents to do what they can to keep themselves safe," says Inspector Middleton. "Don't invite burglars into your property by leaving doors, windows and gates open. By remembering the basics of home security we can make sure we have a summer to remember - for the right reasons."
Police advise all residents to remember basic home security rules:
• Close and lock your doors and windows when you're not home or out the back
• Get a friend or neighbour to check on your property if you go away for a holiday, including collecting the mail and mowing the lawns if necessary
• If you have a gate, keep it closed even when you are home
• Don't allow strangers onto your property
Counties Manukau Police had previously reported on phony meter readers, who may be knocking on the door to see if anyone is home.
"We advise everyone to be very selective about who you allow onto your property - if you don't know them or understand their reason for being there, ask them to leave and call Police immediately," says Inspector Middleton.
Anyone who has been burgled should contact Police as soon as possible to report the crime. Counties Manukau Police front counter is open 24 hours a day, located at 42 Manukau Station Road, Manukau. Call them on 09 261 1300 or anonymously report burglary information through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by
Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
09 263 2702
0274 342 218