The 111 Files: Insecure homes asking for trouble

Senior Constable Steve Canning

As we are in the midst of summer, we can expect people to leave windows open not only when they leave their homes, but also at night while they are asleep.

It is important, however, that people secure their homes when going out and put good security stays on the windows if they leave them open at night.

Unwelcome visitors look for any excuse to enter a home and, the last thing we want, is to give them an easy excuse.

Your chances of being subjected to a burglary are lessened by taking simple measures which don't necessarily cost a lot of money.

If affordable, get an alarm installed and use it every time you leave the house; most can be set to be "pet proof".

Lock all outside sheds, including garden sheds, and if working out the back of the property, be aware to lock the front of the house as those "unwelcome visitors" can gain entry and you will not even be aware of it.

Lock and remove all valuables from vehicles, whether at home, parked elsewhere, or consider leaving them in your locked house.

Get a Neighbourhood Support Group running - contact (07) 349 9470 - or have regular meetings with your group so that you meet neighbours and/or new people to the area.

Most importantly, phone 111, and report anything suspicious, as what you think is suspicious, often is. Remember a nosey neighbour, is a good neighbour.

Be safe and have a happy 2014.

Senior Constable Steve Canning works in the Rotorua police forensic section