Open windows lead to thefts

Photo / Thinkstock.

Elderly residents who slept with their windows open during hot and humid nights this week have been targeted by a burglar, sparking a police warning.

Tauranga police arrested a 15-year-old on burglary charges yesterday after he allegedly broke into five houses through open windows.

Police said people should have security devices on their windows if they wanted to keep them open during the summer.

Detective Alan Kingsbury said the boy had burgled four houses between 1am and 2am on Tuesday and another house early yesterday morning.

"It was hot and humid so quite a number of people were sleeping with their windows open."

He said the boy stole cash from elderly residents in the Tauranga suburb of Matua while they were sleeping.

"He's caused them quite a lot of trauma.

"But there's some relief for them knowing that it has been resolved."

Windows should only open wide enough to let air in and not enough for intruders to climb through, Mr Kingsbury said.

The boy is also accused of stealing from cars he found unlocked during his spree.

He is due to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court today.

AA figures and police stats:

56% of vehicle break-ins happen in owners' driveways or nearby streets.

15% of people regularly leave their car unlocked.

60,666 reported burglaries 2008-2009.

60,142 reported burglaries 2009-2010.

41,984 thefts ex-car 2008-2009.

41,002 thefts ex-car 2009-2010.