Season to be vigilant over thieves, say police

As the countdown to Christmas begins again for another year, Whanganui police are reminding people to take care over the festive season.
Senior Sergeant Mark Chillingworth said 66 burglaries had been reported in November, making a positive start to the festive season.
Last December 84 burglaries had been reported, compared with December 2008's 71, and remained high into January with a further 82 burglaries reported.
But despite the positive trend, people still needed to be vigilant moving into the summer holiday period.
People still needed to be aware that there were dishonest people moving around, looking for easy targets, he said.
People who were busy and distracted at this time of year were what opportunistic thieves looked out for.
However, remembering to do simple things like locking car doors and keeping potentially tempting items in cars out of sight would make any car a less-attractive target.
The same went for homes. Householders should keep doors and windows locked when they went away, sheds and garages should be secured too, and valuables should be kept out of sight from windows, Mr Chillingworth said. Any suspicious activity around homes - your own or someone else's - should be reported to the police on 349-0600.
HOW TO SECURE YOUR HOME
- Make sure your house, vehicles, sheds and garages are secure.
- Don't leave a spare door key hidden outside.
- Invest in an alarm and security lighting.
- Keep valuables and wrapped presents out of view.
- Make the house look lived in - put lights on automatic timers and have someone open and close curtains and take mail in.
- Make a list of property and record serial numbers.
- Take photos of unique items such as jewellery and ornaments.
- Looking out for your neighbours can be an effective fight against crime. Start or join a Neighbourhood Support Group - call 0800 4NEIGHBOURS
- Exchange emergency contacts with your neighbours.
- Let neighbours know when you're going away and see if they can collect your mail, open and close the curtains and park a vehicle on the drive. Would-be thieves will knock on the door of a property to find out if anyone is in and if someone answers they may use a ruse to justify being there, such as saying they thought it was their friend's address.
- Some simple steps you can take:
- Install a peep-hole in your front door and a door chain.
- If someone arrives unannounced, ask them who they are and their reason for being there before you open the door.
- If you have an odd caller to your home, or see someone behaving suspiciously in your neighbourhood, contact Whanganui police to report it. If you see a crime being committed call 111.
The Whanganui Police wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.