KEY POINTS:
At this time of year, burglars are at their busiest. The Auckland burglary squad says the best way to keep safe is to act as though you will be burgled, and take precautions.
* Take jewellery away with you, put it in your safe or put it in a safety deposit box at your bank.
* Electronic items such as laptops are hot items right now. Take them with you or hide them.
* Mark your property with your driver's licence number. The police recover an awful lot of stuff that they cannot return to the owners because they don't know who they are. Your licence number is unique.
* Make sure your alarm system is working properly.
* Put a few clothes on the line, and a pair of old boots or shoes by the door; arrange to have the lawn mown.
* Let your neighbours know if you are going away, and leave a contact number with them; have a neighbour or friend park in your driveway.
* Lock all windows, doors, sheds and garages, but don't close blinds and curtains.
* Have someone collect your mail and newspapers. To suspend your Herald delivery go to http://subscriptions.nzherald.co.nz or ring 0800 100-888 and press 1 for subscriber services.
* Don't leave a house key outside.
