Top cop: Homeowners at fault in almost half of burglaries

Inspector Dean Clifford says there are a number of simple steps to reduce the chances of being victims of theft. PHOTO FILE

Eastern District Prevention Manager Inspector Dean Clifford says 40 per cent of the region's burglaries in November were from insecure properties.

"Burglaries tend to be opportunistic," he said.

"There's things people can do to remove the opportunity."

Simply locking doors, windows and sheds is a great - and easy - first step in deterring burglars, Inspector Clifford said. If a burglar has to choose between a garden shed that is locked and one that isn't, they will invariably go for the one that isn't locked."

Inspector Clifford said there were a number other simple steps people can take to reduce their chances of being victims of theft.

"It's all about putting obstacles in the way of the burglar," he said.

"Make it hard for them to access your property and chances are, your property will be avoided."

Inspector Clifford provided some further steps people could take to make their property a less of a target:

• Ensure houses and any outbuildings are locked
• Put catches on windows so they don't open too widely
• Install good quality locks
• Lock any tools, toys and other property away when it isn't being used
• Ensure any tools that could be used to gain entry, such as ladders, are also locked away
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don't provide hiding places for burglars
• And, if you can afford it, consider installing CCTV and/or an alarm.

"With the holiday period coming up, a number of houses will be empty so ensure your home looks lived in if you are going away.

Hire someone to do your lawns and gardens, ask a neighbour to check your mail and close your curtains at night.

If possible, consider getting a housesitter to look after the house.

Even with ensuring you take all these steps, there's no guarantee your home will not be targeted.

If an incident does occur, your best chance of recovering your items is to register them on snap.org.nz.

This will allow your items to be returned to you easily if they are recovered and potentially help identify who committed the crime if they changed hands numerous times before they were recovered.

"Most importantly, if you see any suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood, report it to Police," Inspector Clifford said.

"Police can then investigate it and take steps such as increasing patrols in your neighbourhood."

Police are actively investigating burglaries in the area and ask anyone with any information to call Hawke's Bay Police, or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There has been some recent success with burglaries in Hawke's Bay with 23 arrests relating to burglaries made in November.

"The Hawke's Bay team has done well to make these arrests but unfortunately there is more work to be done.

"We know burglary is an invasive crime for its victims and we are committed to holding those responsible to account," Inspector Clifford said.

"We also know that people know who is responsible for committing burglaries in the area and we would like to hear from these people.

"Don't forget, receiving stolen goods is a crime and if you accept stolen property you may find yourself subject to Police attention.

"If you are offered a deal that sounds too good to be true, question its origin because Police will prosecute for receiving stolen goods if we find evidence of it occurring."