Be wary of holiday opportunists

Carterton Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Sue Tennent says this time of year is ripe for opportunistic criminal activity.

Wairarapa residents should be careful who they invite over this Christmas season because if something gets stolen, insurance might not cover it.

AA Insurance is warning holidaymakers to be wary when they open their doors, whether it be to friends, acquaintances or someone doing work around the house.

Giving a person consent to come inside means they are considered a "guest". The same goes if they are invited in by other people living in the household.

"If you're having a party and are concerned about your valuables, then take steps to keep them safe and out of view, monitor who is invited into your home, and be careful not to extend an open invitation to people whom you have not met," AA head of customer relations Suzanne Wolton said.

One AA customer lost $7800 worth of jewellery and alcohol when her teenage son had a party that got out of hand.

Even though the son didn't know some of the guests, the thefts weren't covered because he willingly let them into the home.

Another had her credit card, watch and clothing stolen by a handyman who was painting her bathroom.

Because he had permission to be on the property, she wasn't covered.

Carterton Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Sue Tennent said this time of year was ripe for opportunistic criminal activity.

"It's any electronic thing [burglars] can get their hands on. Like laptops and tablets. Also, people drive up and down the streets to see who has their shed nice and open down the drive."

Sheds were a prime target for thieves because they often contained "quite nice Christmas presents" like hedge trimmers, she said.

"People forget that if they're at the back of the house and they leave the front door open, someone can come in and just about load out every goods they're got in the house before they're aware. So be particularly vigilant at this time of year.

"The police can't do it all on their own."

According to a recent AA Insurance home security survey, four in 10 New Zealanders have experienced a break-in or burglary, with close to a quarter of break-ins happening when people were away for more than 24 hours.

"It's a good rule to tell your neighbours when you're away so they can keep an eye out for people or vehicles around the property that aren't normally there," Ms Wolton said. "However, refrain from announcing that you're on holiday on social media. Unless you have very strict privacy settings, you may inadvertently inform people you don't know that your home will be empty."

Police said many criminals appeared to "take a holiday" on Christmas Day.

National prevention manager Bruce Bird said the rate of criminal offending usually dropped about 27 per cent on Christmas Day.

Mr Bird agreed that communicating with neighbours was a good way to reduce the risk of having your house broken into while you were away.

"It is also a great idea to swap holiday addresses and let each other know if you are expecting visitors or trades people while you are away." APNZ