SANTA Claus might not be the only person visiting Bathurst homes at an unusual hour unless residents are sensible with their holiday security.
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NSW Police’s corporate spokes-
person on crime prevention, detective acting superintendent Kelly Kortlepel, says holidays can provide rich pickings for opportunistic thieves.
“This is a message which is repeated every Christmas season but one that needs to be reinforced. It only takes one window to be left unlocked and your holiday homecoming may be ruined.
“There are basic security measures which should be put in place for anyone leaving their home empty, be it for a weekend or the whole holidays.”
Detective acting superintendent Kortlepel advises to:
n Before leaving, check – then check again – that all doors and windows are locked securely.
n Ensure a trusted neighbour can keep an eye on the home.
n If there is a house alarm, use it. It is said to be a constant surprise to police investigating break-ins that the victim’s home was fitted with an alarm but wasn’t activated.
n Get someone to empty the mailbox everyday – this can fill very quickly with brochures, especially with the post-Christmas sales.
n Cancel newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbour to remove the free weekly suburban newspaper.
n Don’t leave a key hidden outside: thieves know all the places to check for a front door key.
n Lock away all handyman tools and garden tools: not only are these valuable items for re-sale but they can be used to force open windows or doors if left lying around. Ladders left outside can be used to gain access to the roof or upper-storey windows.
n Buy electrical timers for interior lamps and set them.
n Ensure all perimeter fences are in good order and gates are kept closed and locked to restrict access to the backyard.
n If you will be away for more than two weeks, consider getting someone to mow the lawn.
n Install quality security lights around the perimeter of the home to provide more effective illumination at night. Sensor lights are a good deterrent.
n Garages should be locked: roller, tilt and panel lift doors can be secured with additional locks such as hasp and staple or padlocks.
