Wairarapa Police urge community to tighten up on home security
The Wairarapa community is being encouraged to tighten up on security of their homes, given the warmer weather is well
and truly here.
Detective Sergeant Rick Joblin of the Wairarapa Police says, "It's easy to leave windows and doors open given the warmer
weather we've been having in recent times but this may mean the difference between an opportunistic burglar targeting
your house for their next crime or not."
Recently an elderly Greytown resident was the victim of a daytime burglary, while he was at home at the time. His wallet
with credit cards were stolen and later used.
A Wellington man is before the Courts after being charged with the incident. He also faces other charges in relation to
similar burglaries throughout the Wellington district.
"This elderly man was left shaken following the incident, which has prompted Police to remind the elderly and those
living alone to get into the habit of keeping your front and back doors locked, even when you are at home."
"We want to hear from you if anyone suspicious is seen near your home - call us immediately on 111 and make a mental
note of what the person looked like or what kind of vehicle they were driving. Remembering a registration number can
also prove invaluable for Police."
Rick Joblin says overall, burglaries in the Wairarapa are down on what they have been at the same time in the last few
years and Police want this positive trend to continue.
"Getting information from the community on suspicious people or activity is vital for us to prevent further residents
from becoming victims of burglary, so we want to hear from you."
He says if you're planning on taking a break over the holiday season and heading out of the city, have a plan to keep
your property safe and secure while you are away.
"This might mean asking a neighbour to clear your letterbox or water your garden, to make it look like you're home or
have a family member or friend come and housesit for you."
Remember burglars are easily deterred by burglar alarms so you might want to consider installing one.
For more crime prevention tips, contact the Masterton branch of Neighbourhood Support on (06) 378 8900.
ENDS