ACT Police are reminding Canberrans about the importance of home security to reduce the risk of possessions being stolen.
Police are continuing to see opportunistic burglaries as a result of residences not being secured.
Recent analysis by AFP Forensics Intelligence Team has shown that of all home burglaries examined in the first three months of this year, offenders gained access to unsecured property more than 60 per cent of the time.
Simple tips to help make sure your property and possessions are secure include:
- Lock your doors and windows – even when you are at home.
- Install sensor lights or security cameras.
- Don’t leave your keys or wallet near the front door
- Keep other valuables somewhere hard to find.
- Never leave keys hidden outside your home.
Detective Station Sergeant Mark Rowswell said that criminals will take any opportunity to enter a home and take items of value.
“We know that the more secure the home – the less likely it will be burgled.
“Concerningly – in one week in late April we had eight instances of residents being in the unsecured home when offenders stole or attempted to steal items,” Detective Station Sergeant Rowswell said.
“Our message is simple – ALWAYS lock your doors and windows. We urge everyone to consider the security of their residences to make it as hard as possible for opportunistic thieves.”
Comprehensive information about home security can be found at the Outsmart the Offender page.
If you do hear an intruder in the home, don’t risk it. Leave the house immediately and go to a safe place. Call Triple Zero (000) and wait for the police.
Anyone with information that could assist police about home burglaries or stolen property is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
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