Lock it or lose it: police
By BELINDA FEEK - Waikato Times
Last updated 12:00 17/11/2009
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Hamilton is in the midst of its annual holiday season burglary spree – and police say residents aren't helping themselves.
Tactical co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Greg Dunn said police have been frustrated with some residents who continue to leave doors or windows of their homes either unlocked or wide open.
Twenty-five homes in Hamilton were targeted over the weekend. But while it was yet to reach the frighteningly high weekend averages for this time of the year – between 40 and 60 – Mr Dunn said it wouldn't be far off if residents didn't start doing more to protect their property.
"Twenty five is not overly high, it's not like 2007, but do we want to wait until it gets that high or start taking proactive steps now? We've got to start getting back to basics, like lock the door and have an alarm. But at the moment it's close the door – people are so blase."
Throughout Labour Weekend this year, 10 commercial premises and 35 homes were burgled including a Nawton woman who had her husband's ashes stolen.
Mr Dunn said it was imperative residents did the basics and looked out for their neighbours.
"Over the weekend a Te Rapa home owner who was burgled told officers he never locked his home, while victims of an Enderley burglary lost alcohol and a cellphone when they left a door ajar."
Mr Dunn said peak season for burglars was between November and February – as people took advantage of pre-Christmas specials. "Burglars see the carton for your plasma screen TV out with the rubbish and know what you've just bought because basically, you've told them."
However, it wasn't over then. Thieves often waited until an insurance payment came through and the goods were replaced – before they possibly struck again.
Mr Dunn said Hillcrest – centred around Waikato University – was a hot spot for burglars due to the approximate 98 per cent rental occupancy.
"One of the worst areas is around the university area because students have easy-to-move electronics."
He recalled one incident where a brazen thief walked straight into one flat of university students and left with a television.
"They thought the person that had taken that stuff was a friend of the flatmate."
A Hamilton East community constable was dedicated to the university area itself, giving talks to students and staff about keeping their valuables safe and keeping their flats locked.
Forest Lake resident and Waikato Times sports reporter Matt Richens' flat has been targeted twice in the past week.
Despite having all the doors and windows closed and locked, the burglars managed to kick and smash their way in each time.
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"I reckon if they want to get in they're going to get in.
"They've kicked a door and smashed a window at different times. You can only do so much, but just be clever. Don't leave valuables near windows, that's what I've learnt, so that people can't see. Just don't make it any easier for them."作者: xiaolu 时间: 2009-11-17 14:58:24
Just don't make it any easier for them作者: ~想飛的魚~ 时间: 2009-11-17 15:07:14