Putting words into action drives a policing approach that has seen an 88 per cent drop in residential burglaries in one of Hamilton's most vulnerable areas.
City tactical co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Freda Grace says during the past two months there was a serious spike in the number of burglaries in Waikato with 99 during the weekend following Anzac Day - 78 in Hamilton.
"The following weekend this figure dropped to 33 as police looked at prevention and the worst affected areas," she says.
"One area to stand out is the triangle comprising Cameron, Old Farm and Knighton Rds around the University of Waikato which, because of its high level of transient renters, is a particularly vulnerable and attractive target for burglars."
Ms Grace says the vulnerability is primarily related to students sharing flats, moving on and a complacent attitude to security. "Rental occupancy is as high as 98 per cent on some streets in the area. When you consider each student comes to Hamilton with a laptop computer, a sound system, iPod, iPad and other easily transferable electronics then it's little wonder they fall prey to predators."
With the commencement of the university term and students returning to their flats, police noticed a corresponding increase in the number of burglaries and reported break-ins of cars.
"There were 24 residential burglaries reported in this small alone in April, so what we needed to do is look at ways to address this and so far the signs are the new tactics have worked pretty well.
"What we've done is approach the problem with a 'whole of policing solution', assigning a variety of policing resources that are available to tackle issues under the 'One Waikato' policing strategy."
And that approach has met with considerable success with an 88 per cent reduction in burglaries in the area up to May 21.
She says intelligence plays a large part in ensuring police have the right people in the right place at the right time.
A key tactic in preventing homes becoming a target is by making valuables harder for the offender to on-sell.
"Owners are recommended to mark their valuables with synthetic DNA which puts readable microdots on your property police can detect using UV light.
"Another is to photograph and register possessions with Operation SNAP (www.snap.org.nz).
"And if you don't want to speak to us directly, you can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111; the key thing is if you know something - tell us," she says.