Residents of Manukau region in Auckland will shortly receive guidelines on the ways and means of preventing theft at home.
Counties Manukau Police will distribute leaflets on the subject, following an upsurge of thefts in recent weeks.
Constable Gurpreet Arora, who is also the South Asian Liaison Officer for the District, told Indian Newslink that the spate of thefts that occurred in the recent past, was a matter of concern.
“One man lost all the jewellery that he had kept at home three weeks ago, some of which, he said were irreplaceable as they were traditional family jewellery. While we always do our best to apprehend the offenders and try to retrieve the stolen goods, people can also help us and avoid thefts by taking some simple precautions,” he said.
He said Counties Manukau Police were deeply concerned over the rising incidence of burglaries in the district.
“We are in the process of preparing a leaflet that will help people make their homes more secure, reducing the risk of theft,” he said.
According to Constable Arora, the Police have made several suggestions in the proposed leaflet. They are (a) Lock your doors and windows (b) Record the serial numbers of jewellery, expensive electronic items and other valuables and maintain photographs of these items (c) Keep all valuables out of sight (d) Install an alarm system (e) Install sensor lights (f) Keep garden sheds and garages locked when not in use and keep ladders hidden from view (g) Stop your mail and newspaper if you are going out of the City or arrange someone to collect them, since accumulation of these in letterboxes would indicate that there is no one in your house (h) Keep your house secure when you are out in the garden or yard (i) Use a chain on the door; do not open the door to strangers, unless the chain is attached (j) Note the registration number of any suspicious vehicle seen near your house, since burglars often scope out a place before offending (k) Join or form a Neighbourhood Support Group. Your Community Constable will have details.
Other precautions
“Residents should also take care when leaving empty boxes outside their homes. They can visibly reveal to others, details of valuable items recently purchased, such as television, which could be an incentive for burglars. It is also important to fully insure all valuables kept at home. These items can be registered online at www.snap.org.nz,” Constable Arora said.
On a general note, Counties Manukau Police have appealed to residents to be alert and assist the police in reducing crime.
“If you receive any information about suspects for a burglary or any other crime that has previously been committed in your neighbourhood or elsewhere and you are uncomfortable about approaching Police, you can anonymously report to Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 or online (www.crimestoppers-nz.org). You can keep your street safe, reporting anything suspicious, thereby preventing crime and protecting the community,” a press note said.
Photo : Constable Gurpreet Singh Arora
