Police are reminding residents to remain vigilant when it comes to securing their homes when heading away this Easter. Many families across NSW will be preparing to hit the road and head away for the Easter holidays leaving their homes unattended and easy targets for would-be thieves. NSW Police Force’s Corporate Sponsor for Crime Prevention, Chief Superintendent Brad Shepherd, said many people plan their holidays but forget to take steps to secure their homes. “With the Easter holidays upon us many families hit the road to enjoy time way. “They’ve looked forward to this trip and have packed the car, planned their journey and organised to get their pets minded but have forgotten to lock the house and secure their valuables. “This makes it easy for opportunistic thieves to get into the house and take what they want, ultimately ruining your holiday. “By taking some time to review your home security you can make it harder for thieves to know you are away and get into your house,” Chief Supt Shepherd said. Residents should take the time to check the house is fully locked and hide or secure any valuables before they go away. They should also ensure their home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date and make attempts to make the premises look lived in and occupied. Some home safety tips include: *Ensure all windows and doors are locked. * Lock gates, sheds and garages. * Secure all valuables. * Notify your local police of your trip and where you can be contacted in an emergency. * Make your house look ‘lived in’ by using timing devices to turn lights and radios on/off at different times. * Stop deliveries to your home including newspapers. * Have a family member, trusted friend or neighbour clear your mailbox. * Arrange for someone to cut your lawn and keep your yard tidy. * Never leave your garbage bins out on the street for several days. * Ask a relative or friend to regularly check on your home and advise them of your contact details. * Let a trusted friend or neighbour know your holiday plans. * Have a friend or neighbour parked their vehicle in the driveway of your home. * Turn down the volume on your home telephone. Avoid using answer machine messages which indicate you are away. * Never advertise your trip on social network sites. * Pay essential service bills in advance (electricity, gas, water and telephone) so that your services continue while you are away. Chief Superintendent Shepherd said these tips are important to protect your home but also urged people to think about their safety while staying in holiday accommodation. “Don’t become relaxed about crime prevention while on holiday. Just because you are away from home doesn’t mean you won’t be targeted by thieves. “Whether you are staying in a holiday house, hotel, motel, caravan or tent you should always remember to secure your valuables and lock all windows and doors when leaving the premises. “Remember to lock your car and don’t leave bags or valuables in sight. “Phones, wallets, cash, cameras, GPS systems and music devices are prime targets for thieves as they can easily be carried away,” said Chief Supt Shepherd. If your home is broken into call the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or local police immediately. Don’t touch anything and if you are unsure if anyone is still inside the house then remain outside and await the arrival of police. Let the police see your home exactly how the thief has left it and while you are waiting for police to arrive, compile a list of the stolen items including descriptions, model and serial numbers and any engraving details.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 05:38:50 +0000
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