KEY POINTS:
Hamilton police yesterday attacked people's apathy towards protecting their own homes in the face of the city's continuing burglary problem.
Waikato police district commander Superintendent Kelvin Powell said about half of the 741 homes targeted by burglars since July 1 had been either unsecured or badly secured.
The most common means of gaining entry had been through open windows, or unlocked or open garage doors, he said.
"My staff and I are sick and tired of those people who take no responsibility for crime prevention measures to protect their homes."
He said being hit by burglars could be a disturbing experience, but some victims were "directly to blame", despite continuing crime prevention education programmes.
Mr Powell was also critical of residents who showed no willingness to keep an eye on their neighbours' property or on nearby community buildings.
Statistics showed that 55 per cent of burglaries reported in Hamilton happen during the day, which showed the need for home owners to be vigilant.
The most common items stolen were small electronic goods, such as laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras and game consoles. Plasma and LCD TVs, and cash and jewellery were also often stolen.
"Police was still having to send out the same old message about not leaving items like this in plain view," Mr Powell said.
"Only last week, we warned of the dangers of leaving curtains open. Burglars see which houses have plasma TVs and return the next day to steal them."
He said Hamilton's rate of reported burglaries was double that on Auckland's North Shore.
- NZPA
