Counties Manukau Police are concerned about a number of burglaries in which thieves have easily been able to access jewellery and cash.
Some of these burglaries have been in homes which display some form of identity, like a flag denoting a religious connection.
Unfortunately, these identities make thieves believe that cash and jewellery are kept in the concerned homes.
People can take simple steps to make their jewellery and other valuable more secure and reduce the risk of theft.
The following are a few simple tips that can help (a) Lock your doors and windows (b) Record the serial numbers of jewellery and expensive electronic items and photograph these and other valuables (c) Keep valuables out of sight (d) Install an alarm system (e) Get sensor lights fitted (f) Keep garden sheds and garages locked when not in use and make sure that ladders are tucked away (g) Stop your mail and newspaper while going away for a long period or ask someone to collect them (h) Keep the house secure when you are out in the garden or yard (i) Use a chain on the door and do not open the door for strangers unless the chain is attached (j) Note the numbers of suspicious vehicles (k) Join or form a Neighbourhood Support Group and (l) Please ensure that your home contents are fully insured to their current value.
SNAP them
SNAP (Serial Number Action Partnership) is an initiative of the New Zealand Police, aiming to prevent New Zealand Burglary and property offending and make it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods in New Zealand.
Register and store the serial numbers of valuable items online at www.snap.org.nz. The website allows you to enter and maintain details of all of your important possession of assets. If your items are stolen, you can instantly retrieve your asset list details, and forward these to the Police and your insurance company.
Safer Families Day
On a related note, the Manukau Indian Association is organising a ‘Safer Families Day’ at its premises at 57, Hillside Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland on Saturday, February 1, 2014.
The event, supported by East Tamaki Health Care, Auckland Council, Counties Manukau Police and the Department of Corrections, will be held from 11 am to 2 pm.
The meeting will discuss measures to promote safety at home and on the road, elders’ safety, family violence and neighbourhood support.
A raffle including two free return tickets to Sydney, spot prizes, gift hampers, free ethnic food and free Sausage Sizzle will be among the attractions.
Constable Gurpreet Arora is South Asian Liaison Officer at Counties Manukau Police. He can be contacted on (09) 2632776 or 021-1910461
