Neighbourhood Watch

 Home Security Tips for the Holidays

The homes which are easier targets are those where there's a high fence or bush so the thief can't be seen from the street.  The thief will look for signs like the mail not being taken in, or the lawn not being cut, or the bin left out.  They also tend to stay away from homes that have security systems.

 If you are going away for the holidays, consider taking the following steps: 

q       Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked. 

q       Let your neighbour know you'll be away and leave a contact telephone number. 

q       Arrange for mail to be held or re-directed or collected by your neighbour. 

q       Ask your neighbour to watch out for visitors and to collect junk mail. 

q       Cancel all deliveries such as newspapers. 

q       Consider installing automatic timing devices for lights and electrical appliances such as radios and TV.  

q       Disconnect the electrical supply to electronic garage doors and engage manual locks. 

q       Advise the local police of your absence; provide a contact address and telephone number.  Be sure to notify police when you return, especially if you return home early. 

q       If keys are left at home, secure them and leave the keys with a rusted friend or neighbour 

q       Do not leave any keys concealed inside or outside the house. 

q       Engrave or mark valuable property with an identifying mark being a driver's licence number preceded the letter "V" for Victoria, "Q" for Queensland, "N" for NSW etc  .  If you don't have one, use the licence number of a close friend or relative.

q       Turn down the volume of your telephone on the day you leave

q       Arrange for someone to mow your lawn and water the garden 

q       Consider asking your neighbour to park a second car in your driveway. 

q       Lock away garden tools, ladders and other items, which could be used to break into your home. 

q       Don't leave empty boxes, which once contained valuable items such as TV, stereo, VCR, etc. alongside the usual rubbish collection.  Dispose of large boxes in a discreet manner or store them flat in your garage/spare room to be re-used when moving house. 

q       Many camping sites are like a smorgasbord of goodies to a thief - wet suits, surfboards, fishing gear, boats, and televisions in annexes or tents.  Thieves don't take holidays!  When camping expose as little property as you can and put everything inside your van, tent or car.  If leaving the site for awhile, tell a neighbour you are expecting nobody and for them to keep an eye out.  Leave tables and chairs outside to have it appear as though you are there.  Many boat trailers have been stolen from boat ramps while the owners are out enjoying their spot of fishing.  You can always chain your boat trailer to your car and on returning to the campsite, you can also lock your outboard motor to your boat. 

Virtual House

This interactive computer program allows visitors to 'walk' through a typical suburban house. They will be supplied with basic safety tips on how to 'target harden' the premises against crime. A property inventory form can also be printed to allow the user to catalogue his or her property and record relevant serial numbers.

 Virtual House is at www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au

by  Acting Senior Sergeant Karen Rendell