B u r g l a r y P r e v e n t i o n g u i d e

Transcription

1 Burglary Prevention Guide

2 This booklet provides excellent advice giving us guidance on the steps that we can take both personally and collectively to reduce the incidence of burglary in our community.

3 Foreword SAB Chairperson Burglary is an intrusive crime that often leaves home owners and families suffering emotional effects and feelings of insecurity long after the burglary incident occurred. As a community we need to minimise offending opportunities by making sure that we personally connect with our neighbours, neighbourhoods and wider community. It really comes down to making sure that we minimise opportunities for burglary offenders to operate in our community. The Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board has (as one of its contracted work-streams) a focus on reducing burglary and dishonesty offending in Palmerston North. We are very pleased to be associated with Operation Shield in the Palmerston North neighbourhoods and I am confident we will see many new and innovative approaches to make Palmerston North a safe and inclusive place. I urge you all to get behind this project by getting and staying involved, as it presents a wonderful opportunity to positively shape Palmerston North for the future. Inspector Brett Calkin Palmerston North Police [ Foreword SAB Chairperson ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 3

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5 Contents Foreword SAB Chairperson 3 Contents 5 Introduction 7 Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary 11 Part 2 Protecting your property 17 Part 3 Who can help protect your property? 27 Part 4 Summary 33 CONTACTS LIST 35

6 Burglary cost the New Zealand taxpayer approximately $942m per annum. 6

7 Introduction Burglary Statistics There are about burglaries in New Zealand every year. That is one burglary every 10 minutes. About 9000 of those are solved (about 15.5%) In about 60% of burglaries the offender gains entry through an insecure window. It is estimated that 75% of burglaries occur during the day. 1 in 3 burglary victims will be a burglary victim again in a 12 month period. Palmerston North City experiences about 1450 commercial and dwelling burglaries per annum. Palmerston North Police resolve about 11% of those burglaries each year. Palmerston North has the fourth highest burglary rate per capita in New Zealand. Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE [ Introduction ] 7

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9 Victim Support Victim Support is a community organisation that helps people who are hurt by crime and other trauma. Victim Support s volunteers give up their time and use their life experience, training and skills to support people in their community dealing with some of life s greatest challenges: the aftermath of crime or other trauma like suicide or fatal accidents. We provide emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for victims rights. This helps victims and their families: find strength, hope and safety in the face of grief and trauma. deal with, and participate in, the criminal justice system. be in control of getting their lives back on track, and ensures they get the services they need and their rights upheld. Victim Support s volunteers and 130 paid staff are available 24/7, 365 days of the year in over 70 locations throughout New Zealand. Victim Support is an independent charitable trust that works closely with the NZ Police. To contact Victim Support call 0800 VICTIM ( ) [ Introduction ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 9

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11 Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary What will happen? Once a Police officer has taken your burglary report the information will be entered into the Police National Intelligence database. The information is analysed at a local level to help the Police identify crime trends and patterns of criminal offending. In most cases a Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) will attend your burglary to look for forensic evidence including fingerprints, footprints, tool marks and DNA. If fingerprints are found, you may be asked to give your fingerprints for elimination purposes so that the Police can determine which fingerprints are unaccounted for and therefore may belong to the burglar. A file is created and the Police will commence an investigation and follow up any lines of enquiry that are identified. If the investigation is complex or protracted the file may be sent to the Criminal Investigation Branch for further enquiries. If the investigating officer is going on leave he or she may have the investigation assigned to another officer for further enquiries. In some cases there are no lines of enquiry and the investigation file is reviewed by a supervisor and then inactivated. Inactivated means that there is no active investigation taking place but the information remains on the national database and can be re-activated immediately if new information comes to light or your property is recovered. [ Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 11

12 What will Police do? The Police will obtain all of the information relating to your burglary complaint, including the description of items stolen and the serial numbers. The Police will give you a complaint acknowledgement form (CAF) for you to take to your insurance company with the relevant contact details and the reference number. The investigating officer will talk to your neighbours to find out if they saw the burglar or anyone acting suspiciously in your street. The officer may send letters to your neighbours notifying them of your burglary and warning them to be vigilant. If you nominate a suspect the officer will also make enquiries into that person and may formally interview them if there are sufficient grounds to do so. The officer will have all of the information relating to your burglary entered into the Police National Intelligence computer including the serial numbers of the items stolen. This means that any officer in New Zealand can access information about your burglary and can identify your stolen property. [ Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary ] 12 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

13 You will be informed of any progress made on the investigation and you will be informed if the investigation is inactivated. Police will inform you if any of your property is recovered, however if your insurance company has settled your claim the property will be returned to that company. The Police will provide your insurance company with any information they request to assist with the processing of your insurance claim. What happens if the Police catch the offender? Police regularly apprehend and prosecute burglars. If the Police prosecute someone in relation to your burglary you will be informed. The Police will seek reparation (money) from the offender to compensate you and your insurance company for any loss incurred. This may be for the cost of the stolen property and any damage caused during the burglary. Police can seek reparation for the excess on your insurance claim. The courts do not always award reparation. The investigating officer or Victim Support will contact you to obtain a Victim Impact Statement so that you can tell the Judge how you have been affected by the crime and any financial costs you have incurred. If you want you can attend the court hearing. If the offender pleads not guilty you may be required to go to court to give evidence about the items that were taken in the burglary. If this happens you can have a support person go to court with you. A support person can be a friend, relative or Victim Support person. The investigating officer and a Police prosecutor will give you more information and help you through the process. Contacts The investigating officer will give you his or her contact details. If you are unable to contact the officer for some reason and have urgent information to pass on please telephone the nearest Police Station and ask to speak with the duty Sergeant or Senior Sergeant. The information relating to your burglary is held on a national database and can be accessed by any Police member. When contacting the Police about your burglary please remember to have your reference number ready to quote. This will make it easier for the officer to help you. [ Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 13

14 What should I do? Bank / Credit Cards If you think that your credit card or bank card has been stolen you need to contact your credit card provider or bank as soon as possible so the card can be cancelled. If you contact your credit card provider or bank immediately then you are unlikely to be liable for any losses incurred due to fraudulent use. Your bank or credit card provider may want you to provide a police file number or event number. The attending officer should provide you with this when they give you a complaint acknowledgement form. Take action Talk to your neighbours about security issues in your street. If there is a public area or walk way that is making your neighbourhood unsafe or attracting criminals then call the local authority and Police. The local authority may be unaware of the problem and may be willing to help if you are feeling unsafe. Security companies and Locksmiths can also give advice but there is usually a fee associated with this service. Only use licensed and qualified security people. Tip: Ask your neighbours for advice. You may have a Locksmith or Security advisor living in your street who can give you free advice. [ Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary ] 14 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

15 Develop a Home Security Action Plan Do a simple self assessment to keep your house safe Step 1 - Look Look at your home through the eyes of the burglar. Sometimes we make it very easy for them to gain entry - in two out of ten burglary cases the thieves don t even have to use force, they just get in through an open or unlocked door or window. Step 2 - Identify Identify your home s weak security spots as well as times when your home may be at its most vulnerable, such as at night or when you are away. Pretend you have been locked out - how would you break in? Would anybody see you and call the Police? Step 3 - Protect Develop your individual home security action plan. Make your house a hard target and advertise the fact so that burglars won t even try your house. Read part two of this guide to help you protect your property. [ Part 1 Investigating Your Burglary ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 15

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17 Part 2 Protecting your property Facts about Burglars Who commits burglaries? Burglars can be male or female but the vast majority are men. They can be children, young people or mature men and women. Most burglars are opportunistic and lazy. They take advantage of easy targets or tempting opportunities. They will always take the path of least resistance. They are active during the day and night - but most especially when the risk of being seen or caught is low (often when people are at work or away on holiday). Some burglars operate alone - others work in groups. Some burglars are on foot or bicycle, while others use a vehicle. Burglars like familiar territory and work in a particular area. They often break into one or more houses in a street. TIP: Burglars are lazy. If your house looks like a hard target they won t bother trying to break in. What houses do Burglars target? Houses where it looks like no one s home - lights aren t on at night, curtains may be closed during the day, or mail and newspapers have been left to accumulate in the letterbox Houses where a window or door is left open or unsecured Houses with high solid fences and trees or shrubs that block the view from the street and neighbours. Houses where valuable items are left outside overnight. [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 17

18 Houses where the garage door is open or the shed is unlocked Houses they have previously successfully burgled and similar surrounding houses. (They like these houses because they are familiar and they know that the neighbours won t see them or won t call the Police) TIP: If your neighbour has suffered a burglary recently your chances of being burgled in the near future increase dramatically. Act now! - Make your house a hard target. How do burglars operate? [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Sometimes they are looking for cash or small, valuable items that they can quickly convert into cash such as jewellery, electronic and digital equipment. steal to order and target larger items. go onto a property and knock on the door to see if anyone is home - if someone is home, they make up an excuse for being there and leave (if this happens please call the Police and tell them about it). hide your property nearby and come back for it later. Mostly they pass on stolen property to receivers or other criminals. (People who knowingly buy stolen property are criminals). try to get in and out of your home as quickly and quietly as possible. (They hate dogs, alarms and good neighbours). run off when confronted by residents and neighbours. avoid houses where people are home or where they may be seen from the street or by neighbours. 18 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

19 How to make your home a hard target Think about your security self assessment exercise and then make your home less vulnerable to burglars by putting in place which security methods are best for the protection of your home. 1. Burglar Alarms A burglar alarm is an effective crime prevention deterrent. Once an alarm system activates, a burglar rarely lingers at the scene to gather up property. Burglar alarms are widely accepted by Police and criminals as the single most effective deterrent to burglars. Often the mere presence of an alarm is enough to deter even the most determined burglar. What type of alarm do I need? Talk to a Licensed Security Company about what type of alarm system would best suit your home and lifestyle. You need to feel secure and confident about your home security but you do not want to feel like a prisoner in your own home. Basic alarm systems include: 2-4 sensors/detectors (which can distinguish between human and pet movement); a touch pad or key pad; a control unit (ideally with battery backup in case of a power failure); and an internal and external siren. More sophisticated alarms have a wider range of features such as: alarming only certain areas of the house while you are home; perimeter detectors which can detect an intruder before they enter your property; and panic alarms which let you activate the alarm remotely e.g. from your bedside. [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 19

20 TIP: Get a smoke alarm included with your Burglar alarm - it could save your life! How much does an alarm system cost? A reliable basic alarm system, installed by a certified company, can cost as little as $ You can, however, spend much more for additional security features. It s wise to get a range of quotes from different alarm companies and thoroughly research and compare what they offer so you can see what you re getting for your money. Don t be pressured into buying until you re satisfied the alarm and the company is right for you. TIP: Most insurance companies offer premium discounts on house and contents insurance if a burglar alarm is installed. Alarm Installation One of the most important aspects of a home alarm system is to have it properly installed by a technician from a reputable security company. Companies and people installing, repairing or monitoring burglar alarms should have a current Licence or Certificate of Approval under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act You should ask to see their licence or check whether a person is licensed by going to the website of the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority. [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] TIP: Put alarm stickers around all sides of your house. Alarms are most effective as a deterrent so make sure that you advertise it. Alarm Monitoring A monitored alarm is an extra safeguard and you should consider having your alarm monitored by a reputable security company i.e. a company licensed under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 with licensed or certified security consultants or technicians. The different types of monitoring, costs and levels of service provided by the monitoring company should be explored when getting quotes for your alarm system. 20 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

21 Alarm monitoring costs between $22 and $40 per month. Alternatively you can self monitor your alarm using your cellphone. Talk to your neighbours about your alarm, particularly if you chose not to have it monitored. Discuss a plan of what to do if it goes off and leave your contact details with them so they can call you. If your alarm has a false activation, get it checked out or do something about it. TIP: If someone in your neighbourhood already has an alarm, ask them about the company they used and if it suits their needs. An alarm, combined with other security measures such as security lighting and good locks on doors and windows will reduce the risk of burglary significantly. 2. Security Marking Security marking valuable items will discourage burglars from stealing them by making it difficult to sell them on. It will also help the police to ensure they are returned to you if they are recovered following a burglary. You should mark your property with your drivers licence number or a number that is relevant to you and that you will remember. You can security mark property in a number of ways: Permanent marking using an engraving tool and a stencil. Invisible marking - using an ultra violet (UV) pen to write on your details. The ink when dried is almost invisible to the human eye but shows up under special black light. Police use these black lights to examine property that they suspect is stolen. Forensic marking - using DNA technology to mark property with a special code which is unique to the owner, allowing property to be easily identified. See website [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 21

22 Photographs some items such as jewellery and antiques are not suitable for marking. In these cases, it is a good idea to take photos of such items and keep them in a safe with a record of any serial numbers or markings and a description. Photographs can be uploaded to the Operation SNAP website To deter burglars you can obtain window stickers from your local Neighbourhood Support group that say your property is security marked. 3. Windows Windows are often the first choice of entry for a burglar. You can take the following steps to reinforce your window security. Install good quality window locks and latches. Do not rely only on Security type window stays these can be forced. Always close the window when you are out. Fit locks that are easily visible to a potential burglar, attached to the frame rather than to the window lever. Use key operated window locks and keep the keys out of sight and away from the windows. Even small windows can provide an entry point to the determined burglar - some thieves can get through any gap larger than a human head, some criminals even use children to gain entry via such openings. [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Louvre windows are especially vulnerable as their slats can be removed from the frame. To improve their security glue the slats in place and fit a special louvre lock. 22 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

23 4. Doors Doors can also be a quick and easy route for a burglar. You can take the following action to secure your doors. Make sure external doors and frames are strong and in good condition; they should be made of solid core construction. Sometimes burglars simply kick in a back door to gain entry. Fit the front and back doors with a good quality deadlock and include a safety chain. Fit french doors and ranch sliders with good quality locks and bolts. Doors opening outwards should also be fitted with hinge bolts. Glass panels on or around doors are particularly vulnerable so fit deadlock and replace panels with laminated glass or fit security film to the inside of existing glazing. Sliding doors can be weak links as, in some cases, doors can be lifted off their tracks. Security pressbolts can help secure these doors. Consider fitting a decorative security screen door. 5. Lighting Good security lighting will often deter a burglary, especially as many burglaries happen in the evening after dark. Consider the following actions to deter burglars from targeting your home: Install exterior sensor security lights at the front and rear of your house. In some instances this may be simply a case of replacing current fittings with new sensor lights. Leave one or two exterior lights on at night or get a light sensor installed so that the lights come on automatically as it gets dark outside and turns off at first light. Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] 23

24 When going out at night leave a living room or bedroom light on to give the impression that someone is home. Talk to your neighbours about leaving an outside light on at night. The more brightly lit a street is the less likely burglars are to target it. TIP: Where possible fit sensor lights as high as possible so that they are out of easy reach of a burglar. If given the opportunity a Burglar will remove the bulb or cover the sensor. In the Garden If the outside of your house and garden are secure, this will help reduce the risk of a burglar attempting to enter your property. Fences and Hedges Burglars like solid fences and hedges. Burglars don t like to be seen when they are looking through your windows and forcing open your doors. Solid fences and hedges may protect your privacy but they also make your house vulnerable to burglary. To protect your property make sure fences don t hide the front or side of the house where a burglar can make a forced entry unnoticed. [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Ensure that solid front fences are low in height (under 1200mm) or taller fences are permeable or see through. Trellis fences provide some privacy while also being permeable and see through. They have the added advantage that they are difficult for burglars to climb (breaks easily and noisily) and do not attract graffiti. Make sure that hedges and trees are well trimmed and are not concealing the front of your house. Gardens and Trees Planting thorny, prickly shrubs and hedges such as berberis, roses and holly can act as a deterrent. Plant them under vulnerable windows to make a burglar think twice about getting too close. 24 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

25 However vegetation can provide cover and concealment for burglars so keep trees and bushes well trimmed. Garages and Sheds Garages and garden sheds are a popular target with burglars and are often overlooked when security is being considered. Garages are frequently used for storing not only cars, motor bikes and cycles, but also property similar to those found in garden sheds, as well as DIY power tools and sporting equipment. Considering the value of the property contained therein, security precautions are often found to be wanting, and for this reason they are identified as easy targets by burglars. These are often the first port of call for a burglar as they contain tools or ladders that help them to break into your home. Fit strong padlocks to sheds and garage doors and make sure the doors can withstand force such as kicking. Make sure that windows are also secure, especially on sheds where valuable garden tools and equipment are often kept. Secure cycles and tools in a shed by chaining them together. If you already have a burglar alarm system, why not extend it to the shed or garage? Alternatively, there are various stand-alone alarm devices on the market specifically designed for remote use in garages or sheds. Side Passages Side passages provide easy access to the back of the house, which is often the most vulnerable. Fit a high, strong and lockable gate. If there are existing gates, check that they are not sagging or weak and are well secured with a strong padlock. As with fences they should be permeable and see through so that they are not providing concealment for burglars. [ Part Two- Protecting your property ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 25

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27 Part 3 Who can help protect your property? Neighbourhood Support Neighbourhood Support New Zealand Incorporated was established in 1999 to promote and support the development of Neighbourhood Support in New Zealand. Neighbourhood Support works closely with the Police and many other organisations in your community to reduce crime, improve safety and prepare to deal with emergencies and natural disasters. Neighbourhood Support Groups enable people to share information, ideas and insights. A Neighbourhood Support Group will: Encourage neighbours to talk to each other Share information that will help reduce the risk and fear of crime Help foster a sense of community spirit, where everyone is respected and valued Educate and empower neighbours to take responsibility for their own safety Identify the needs of neighbours and ways to assist each other Identify the strengths and skills of neighbours to contribute to solving local problems Minimise burglaries and car crime in the local area [ Part Three - Who can help protect your property? ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 27

28 Reduce graffiti, vandalism, violence and disorder Support victims of crime»» Know when and how to contact Police, other» Enhance the safety features and appearance of the neighbourhood» Decide on ways to handle any civil emergencies that may occur emergency services or support agencies Liaise and co-operate with other community groups TIP: Being a member of an active Neighbourhood Support group significantly reduces your chance of being burgled. If you want to start your own neighbourhood support group please contact your local neighbourhood support coordinator or go to CPNZ Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) is a national organisation. CPNZ aims to raise the profile and encourage the development of local community patrols to work in their communities throughout New Zealand to assist the Police. [ Part Three - Who can help protect your property? ] Community Patrols are the eyes and ears of the Police and act to deter offending in your neighbourhood. If you want to take a more proactive role in crime prevention within your community consider joining Community Patrol. Crimestoppers Crimestoppers is an independent charity established to assist the Police and other law enforcement agencies to catch criminals and solve crimes in order to create safer communities and better business environments. You can call Crimestoppers anonymously about any crime or criminal activity that you know about. There are times when you might not feel able to talk to the police directly. That s why Crimestoppers exists to provide you with an anonymous route to give information about crime. 28 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

29 If you have information about a burglary or any other crime and you don t want to talk directly to the Police call Crimestoppers on or go to Your information will be forwarded onto Police so that they can make your community a safer place. Good Neighbours The most important action you can take to make your place safer is to know your neighbours. Exchange contact details, discuss your crime and safety concerns, and decide what you would do in an emergency. Let neighbours know when you are going to be away. Swap holiday addresses and phone numbers. If your neighbours are away, you can help them by making their house look lived in : Turn on lights at night. Close curtains at night and open them during the day. Mow lawns. Clear mail, especially junk mail and newspapers. Use their clothesline or driveway. Keep an eye on their house and walk around it once a day to check it is secure. Question strangers, but don t say the neighbours are away. Write down their description, and note the time and date. Let them know they have been seen. Write down the registration numbers of unfamiliar vehicles moving slowly or stopping in the street. Report anything suspicious to your local police station. If you think a crime is being committed or someone is in serious danger, call the police immediately on 111. [ Part Three - Who can help protect your property? ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 29

30 Landlords If you are a renter your landlord may be able to assist with improved security following a burglary in your area. Landlords value good tenants, so if you feel that the property is insecure call your landlord and discuss improving your security. In the long term your landlord benefits by safeguarding the property and attracting more good tenants. The Police The Police can give you free advice about home security and burglary prevention. You can contact your local Police station and ask for the Community Constable or someone from your Neighbourhood Policing Team to visit and give you free advice about crime prevention. Suspicious People & Vehicles You can help the Police to reduce burglaries in your neighbourhood by reporting suspicious activity to the Police. Police are always interested in suspicious activity so don t hesitate to call if you see anything suspicious. The police are never too busy to hear about these things at the time and always attend where possible. [ Part Three - Who can help protect your property? ] If you do see someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood ask yourself the following questions. Have I seen this person in the neighbourhood before? Does s/he look comfortable doing what they re doing? Is there a sense of purpose to the person s activity? Do they look like they re going somewhere? Are they hesitant or even loitering? What does the person appear to be looking at and why? How did the person come to be in the area? Is there a car nearby, and if s/he is some distance from it, why? What s the car registration number? Answering these questions and even taking notes about the person s appearance, clothes, height or other distinguishing features can go a long way toward identifying a crime suspect and making your neighbourhood a safer place to live. 30 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

31 The Police love catching criminals, particularly burglars, so if you see a crime being committed call 111 immediately. Prowlers If you are experiencing night time prowlers or see someone acting suspiciously at night call the Police on 111 immediately. Police dogs love to track and catch burglars and prowlers at night. Serial Number Recording You can help Police by recording serial numbers and marking your property. Police recover hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property every year. Unfortunately many items cannot be returned because the owners did not record the serial numbers or mark the property so it could be identified as belonging to them. Worse still, the property may have to be returned to the thief. People who can provide the serial numbers of stolen goods to police have a much greater chance of having items returned. Some insurance companies waiver the no-claim excess for clients who provide serial number records when they report a loss. Operation SNAP (Serial Number Action Partnership) is a free initiative which enables anyone to record serial numbers and other unique identifying details SERIAL NUMBER ACTION PARTNERSHIP of their valuable goods. Details are securely stored in an electronic database from where they can be quickly and easily retrieved by owners to give to Police if property is lost or stolen. This assists recovery of stolen goods and identifying of burglars and thieves. For more information and to register your goods, visit When you have recorded the serial numbers of items, Neighbourhood Support can provide you with a WARNING sticker to put on a window. This helps reduce the risk of burglary because criminals know they are more likely to get caught or traced if they handle and attempt to sell identifiable goods. Photographs can be uploaded to the website and you can edit your property list whenever you like. The website is completely secure and your privacy is protected. [ Part Three - Who can help protect your property? ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 31

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33 Part 4 Summary Quick Reference - Reducing the burglar s opportunities Knowing how a burglar thinks and operates is good background information to help put things in place to prevent you or someone you know becoming a burglary victim. Here are some practical and simple steps to reduce the risk of being burgled: Make sure doors, windows and other entry and exit points from your house have good quality, effective catches and locks - deadlocks if possible. Get into the habit of always using these locks Always lock doors and windows at night and if you re out in the garden or going out or away. Don t leave a door key hidden outside - burglars know all the places to look. Don t leave door and car keys in an obvious place inside your house while you are out. Key hangers look nice but negate the use of deadlocks. Once the burglar has the keys they can take the car full of your property. Keep garden sheds and garages secure and lock away tools and ladders Have an alarm system professionally installed and consider having it monitored by a reputable security company or monitor it yourself. Install sensor lights on access paths or around main external doors Trim trees or remove shrubbery which might hide a burglar s activity on your property. Get to know your neighbours. Exchanging phone numbers or emergency contact details is a good start. When you go out do not leave attractive/valuable items like handbags and laptops etc within view of a window. [ Part 4 Summary ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 33

34 If you re going away, ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail or newspaper and make your place look occupied e.g. turn on lights, open and close blinds/curtains, park a vehicle in your driveway, hang washing on your line or mow lawns. Mark valuable property and note serial numbers and keep a record of these numbers and use the SNAP website. Consider placing Beware of Dog signs on gates or fences Set up or join a Neighbourhood Support Group in your area and advertise the fact by displaying Neighbourhood Support signs and stickers. Joining Neighbourhood Support is free. Always report suspicious activity. Don t hesitate to call Police. If you think you see a crime being committed, call 111 immediately. Above all, remember burglars are lazy and like easy opportunities. MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HARD TARGET and you will reduce the risk of being burgled. If you or a neighbour has been burgled recently, it is best to take immediate action to improve the security of your home and reduce the risk of being burgled again. [ Part 4 Summary ] 34 Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE

35 CONTACTS LIST ARmstrong Smarter Security Crimestoppers MY Neighbours NAME: NAME: NAME: NAME: NUMBER: NUMBER: NUMBER: NUMBER: Neighbourhood Support My local Neighbourhood Support Coordinator is: NAME: NUMBER: Operation SNAP Police Officers details: NAME: NUMBER: Selectadna Victim Support 0800 VICTIM ( ) [ Part 4 Summary ] Palmerston North City Safety Advisory Board BURGLARY PREVENTION GUIDE 35

36 Sponsored BY SERIAL NUMBER ACTION PARTNERSHIP Armstrong Smarter Security W armstrong.co.nz FREE Featherston Street, Palmerston North, 4410 SUPPORTED BY Palmerston North Central Police Station New Zealand Police W police.govt.nz P Church Street, Palmerston North, 4442 Palmerston North Safety Advisory Board Palmerston North City Council W pncc.govt.nz E info@pncc.govt.nz P The Square, Palmerston North, 4442