百春链

Thursday, 29 November 2018 - 2:09pm |
Canterbury

Canterbury Police need your help to deter burglars

2 min read

Canterbury Police are focusing on reducing burglary and want the public to assist.
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There have been 11 burglars arrested over the past two weeks,? eight of whom have been held in custody. These arrests have resulted in a number of items being located, including a $15,000 Yamaha Power Boat motor, three motor vehicles, several firearms, more than $7300 in cash, and 110 grams of methamphetamine.
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Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Paul Reeves, urges common sense when it comes to deterring burglars looking for an easy target over the summer months: lock houses and cars, close windows and leave valuables out of sight.
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This includes when you are in the garden or even if you leave your address for five minutes to go to the local shops.
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“People do need to take a bit more ownership of their own security and think about how they can make it harder on the criminal.”
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Deadlocks on windows and doors can be effective, security signage, CCTV, alarms and sensor lights will also clearly discourage any burglar looking for easy entry.
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While you’re away, have a trusted friend or neighbour clear your mailbox and open/close curtains from time to time. If you plan to be out of town for a week or two, book someone to mow the lawn and set up basic automated lighting to mimic normal household use.
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“Essentially, do what you can to try and make your place appear as though you are not away on holiday. I’d also recommend joining a Neighbourhood Support group, or creating one, whether you are in town or country.
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“If your neighbour is away and you see something that doesn’t look right, don’t delay – call 111.”
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If you know your neighbours well, they ought to do the same for you. The key message is call police straightaway if a suspect anything suspicious. It is frustrating for them to hear about an incident when it’s too late to catch anyone at the scene.
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“At the very least, if there’s a vehicle involved, I’d urge people to record the number plate.”
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Common items targeted by burglars include laptops/computers, TVs, jewellery, wallets/cash, work tools and other portable high value items.
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Police also recommend photographing your valuables. Engrave them (with your driver’s licence number) and record serial numbers so if you do have a burglary at least it makes the job of tracking down your property a little easier. You can add your name and phone number to electronic items using a UV marker. Neighbourhood Support can provide warning stickers to put on windows as a deterrent and you can create and store an asset list of property serial numbers through a police website called SNAP,
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Check your home safety on the police website:
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ENDS
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
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