Don’t make it easy for offenders, a simple message Police are reiterating following a trend in burglary statistics.

Police are urging home and vehicle owners to be vigilant about security.  Do not leave your homes insecure of an evening and night-time, lock all doors and windows before retiring for the night.

“Intelligence suggests that offenders are breaking into dwellings and taking keys,” said Inspector David Plumpton.

“This can sometimes go unnoticed or unreported, especially if access has been gained via an insecure door and no damage has been sustained at the dwelling or if the victim simply believes they have misplaced or lost the keys.
 
“Keep keys hidden from view and don’t leave handbags lying around within easy access of doors and windows.

“It’s like giving offenders an open opportunity or a free pass, why wouldn’t they take it?”
 
“It may be sometime later before they return and steal the victim’s vehicle but they do return,” Inspector Plumpton said. 

Current trends are showing that affluent areas are being targeted and late model or brand new high value vehicles are being stolen. 

The message is however pertinent to all home and vehicle owners, knowledge, vigilance and security are the tools of prevention. Use them wisely.