Lane Cove’s “local” police the North Shore Local Area Command recently posted on their Facebook Page that most break and enter incidents in the North Shore LAC area are occurring through an unlocked Ground floor and 1st Floor open windows or doors.
Many of the Break and Enter incidents reported to ITC do involve access via an unlocked door and window. It’s interesting to note that these incidents don’t necessarily happen because people have forgotten to lock up when they leave home, in many cases, residents are actually in the house at the time of the break-in.
Do not get lulled into a false sense of security because you live in an upper-level apartment or you only leave the second-floor window open at your house. Intruders will scale trees, retaining walls or mailboxes to gain access. Don’t leave ladders lying around outside your house, as this is an invitation to an intruder to use the ladder to gain access.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) 2015–16 National Crime Victimisation Survey, money and jewellery are most often stolen in break-ins. ITC would add IPhones, IPads, laptops and car keys (so they can take your car) to this list.
In this same survey, crime victims advised that a door or window was damaged or tampered with during the attempted break-in. It might be time to look into installing solid core door, shutters or grills to prevent burglars from breaking in through windows.
It’s also time to check if your screen doors are secure. Many screen doors (particularly in older style apartments/houses are quite flimsy). ITC received a report of an intruder cutting a flimsy screen door mesh so they could unlock the screen door.
Be Alert Not Alarmed
Here are some safety tips you could implement:
- Don’t leave your house unlocked while you’re at home;
- Don’t leave your car key in your car;
- Go outside and look at your home – is there a clean line of sight from the street?. If not, trim bushes and trees which obscure your front door (that way neighbours can see any lurking intruders);
- Always tell your neighbours when you’re going away;
- Install Sensor Lights – ITC has been told about intruders fleeing after a sensor light is activated;
- Don’t leave your car keys, wallets, Ipads, Iphones and handbags by your door or in plain sight – this is an easy “grab and go” for intruders;
- Be on the lookout for someone who is acting suspiciously, e.g. looking in windows/checking parked vehicles. Make a note of the person’s appearance, clothing, and call the police immediately. You can report any crime or suspicious activities anonymously. Call North Shore LAC on 9418 8499 (always call 000 if there is an emergency).
- Don’t let intruders know you have new and valuable items in your house. Break down new packaging and don’t have the boxes on show in your house;
- Invest in Security Cameras, the cost of security cameras has decreased lately. Speak to local experts Alert Locks and Security for some recommendations; and
- Finally, make sure your street number is visible so that if anything does happen the police can easily find your home.
Do you have a local issue you would like help with? ITC is here to help just email us at [email protected]
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