Tis the season ... for burglaries, warn Whanganui police

Many burglars won't bother trying to break in if time and effort is involved.

Think about how a burglar would act and take action to protect your property.

That's the advice from Whanganui police as they face the busiest time of year for burglaries.

Senior Sergeant Shayne Wainhouse says Whanganui city has about 60 burglaries per month, and the wider Whanganui district about 100 per month, but that increases in the October to December period.

"People often don't realise that a burglar only spends an average of three to five minutes in someone's house," Mr Wainhouse said.

"They usually know exactly what they're targeting. A burglary can either be random because a burglar happens to see a likely target or they do their homework and target specific addresses.

"They are looking for signs that no one's home, such as no lights on in the evening when there are lights on in neighbouring properties.

"At this time of year, they'll see Christmas trees and target presents under the tree. So to avoid disappointed people at Christmas, don't put your Christmas tree in your front window.

"If people see anyone in their neighbourhood who looks like they're up to no good, there's a good chance they are. Don't muck about trying to find the local police station number, dial 111 straight away and we'll get a patrol car out to check."

The latest police statistics analysis showed the most targeted items (35 per cent) in Whanganui residential burglaries are electronic items such as DVD players, televisions, gaming equipment and laptops. Tools, including lawnmowers, gardening and engineering equipment, make up 25 per cent of items stolen in burglaries.

In 30 per cent of cases, burglars gained entry by forcing a door or window. Entering through an open door or window accounts for 25 per cent of burglaries.

Burglary prevention tips

Police advise people to take the following steps to make their house a 'hard target' and reduce the risk of being burgled:

Make sure doors, windows and other entry and exit points from your house have good-quality, effective catches and locks - deadlocks if possible.

Always lock doors and windows at night and if you're out in the garden or going out or away. Don't leave a door key hidden outside - burglars know all the places to look.

Don't leave door and car keys in an obvious place inside your house while you are out.

Keep garden sheds and garages secure and lock away tools and ladders.

Have an alarm system professionally installed and consider having it monitored by a reputable security company or monitor it yourself.

Install sensor lights on access paths or around main external doors.

Trim trees or remove shrubbery which might 'hide' a burglar's activity on your property.

Get to know your neighbours.

Do not leave attractive/valuable items like handbags and laptops within view of a window.

If you're going away, ask a trusted neighbour to clear your letterbox and make your place look occupied - turn on lights, open and close blinds/curtains, park a vehicle in your driveway, hang washing on your line or mow lawns.

Mark valuable property and note serial numbers. Keep a record of these numbers and use the SNAP website to register your property (www.snap.org.nz).

Consider placing 'Beware of the dog' signs on gates or fences.

Set up or join a Neighbourhood Support Group in your area and display Neighbourhood Support Group signs and stickers.

Always report suspicious activity. If you think you see a crime being committed, call 111 immediately.

If your property, or a neighbour's, has been burgled recently, it is best to take immediate action to improve security and reduce the risk of being burgled again.