The 111 Files: Crime victims' memories stay fresh

When you are a victim of crime, the memories stay with you.

I remember a time as a young lad when I walked out the front door at home one morning to go to work and discovered that my car, a prized MK2 Ford Cortina, was not where I had carefully parked it the night before.

I stood in disbelief and in a state of shock for a few moments, keys in hand, as I processed the options and came to the realisation that someone had stolen my car.

This wasn't the first time I had experienced what it was like to be a victim of crime.

A few years earlier I came home from school to find our house had been burgled. The burglars had completely trashed our home. The memories of these crimes and the effect they had on me as a young man are still with me now. What might we do to prevent our family, friends and loved ones becoming victims of crime?

In my role as prevention manager for Rotorua police it is my job to have a very good understanding of the crimes that are occurring within the Rotorua area on a daily basis.

A large percentage of these offences involve the taking of other people's property, often from within their own homes.

The impact of burglary on victims can vary from being a minor nuisance to a completely devastating experience. This can leave victims feeling violated and unsafe in their own homes.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of burglary or theft. Sometimes we make it easy for thieves. However, some really simple precautions can make a difference. Most thefts and burglaries are not the result of a carefully planned heist. Quite the opposite, they are simply the result of a dishonest person being presented with an easy opportunity. Ensuring you keep your doors and windows secure will go a long way to reducing the risk of being burgled. Likewise secure your garden sheds and garages as even small items like power tools and mowers are easily carried away and disposed of for a few dollars.

Remove ladders and items around your house that could help dishonest individuals access your home. Trim back bushes, shrubs or tree branches that might offer concealment to a burglar.

Finally, look out for your neighbours - join a Neighbourhood Support Group; and if you see something which you think is out of place or dodgy, it probably is. So say something! If in doubt call 111, we want to know. Let's all work together to enjoy a safer summer this year.

Ka kite ano.