Editorial: Burglary can start with tap on door

Our family home has not been burgled, but we have had cars broken into and items stolen off our deck, writes Cooper. Photo / Thinkstock

Who knows what drives a person to break into your home?

Perhaps it is the unemployment rate that has shocked the region this week - 1300 more people out of work in the first three months of 2015, compared to those of us lucky enough to have had jobs in the last quarter of 2014.

One thing we do know: if you burgle someone's home you care little about the sense of violation you inflict - the emotional mess the invasion of privacy causes, never mind the physical mess, or the items taken, or the damage caused when you broke in.

I know three people who have been burgled in the past week. Two were in areas on the outskirts of Whangarei. I know six people or families who have been burgled in the past year - all during the day.

Our family home has not been burgled, but we have had cars broken into and items stolen off our deck. The insurance company wanted to know why I took two weeks to report the thefts. Sadly, I had fallen into the "Why bother?" camp. I realise now, though, that apathy opens the door to your home. Vigilance and quick reporting of theft or burglaries could help close it.

If someone knocks on your door and asks for someone you have never heard of, ring the police if they look remotely suspicious. They will knock, and if no one answers, they will break in. They are not looking for so and so, they are testing to see if you are in.

Strange cars, people wandering around sections ... the last thing your neighbours want to hear when they ask if you heard or saw anything is, "Actually, I did think it was a bit weird seeing a van parked in your driveway."

Unless you interrupt a burglar in the act, or there is a gun involved, you are unlikely to have a police officer arrive immediately. So, in your street or road, look out for your neighbours - your wits and a telephone could be the most effective weapons against burglary your community has.