Holiday Tips for Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch State office would like to remind members that with holiday time fast approaching, others are just beginning their work. A house left empty for some time is a prime target for criminals to do their Christmas shopping.
State Coordinator of the Neighbourhood Watch Program, Sergeant Rodney Bell said “The Neighbourhood Watch Program is all about neighbours looking out for one another to reduce the incidents of property crime. If you are going away for the holidays, give your house that ‘lived in’ look to reduce the chances of a break-in”. Some suggested tips are:
- Check all doors and windows are securely locked
- Cancel milk and papers
- Ask a friend or neighbour to collect mail, watch out for visitors, mow the lawn and water the plants
- Turn down the telephone
- Inform local police of your absence and leave contact name and number
- Lock away or chain your wheelie bins to poles away from windows.
Other simple precautions you can take is to install electric timers on lights and a radio, install motion sensor external lights, disconnect your electronic garage door and even ask you neighbour to park their car in the driveway occasionally.
Most importantly, tell your trusted neighbours that you are going away so they can keep an eye out. A good neighbour can sometimes make all the difference for a happy and worry free holiday. If you would like further information on how you can protect yourself during the holiday period obtain a copy of the Holidays Security Precautions brochure from your local police station.
Last Updated: 20/12/2005