POLICE and security experts have warned people to protect their homes from thieves as peak holiday season arrives.
With many Redlands residents heading off on holiday after Christmas, police issued a warning for people to ensure their house is fully defended.
“Please be proactive in your security at home and don’t be complacent,” a spokesperson from the Cleveland police station said.
Home security expert Natasha Morgan said there were several signs made homes tempting to burglars.
“A ladder resting against your house or wall is a welcome sign for any thief to enter your premises,” she said.
She added that most homeowners were less concerned about securing second-floor windows, but that these were easily accessible to thieves if ladders were left out.
“Keep all your windows and doors locked when you go out of the house [including] those in the upper floors,” Ms Morgan said.
“If you own a ladder, make sure to hide it in your garage or outdoor shed after use.”
Ms Morgan also said that more than one day’s worth of newspapers and mail on display would let burglars know nobody was home, and that these should be collected regularly by relatives or a trusted service.
People should also refrain from posting about their holiday on social media until they return home.
“Thieves say they often survey the contents of rubbish bins to determine the type of people in their target house and if they have money,” Ms Morgan added.
Looking at your rubbish is like browsing a catalogue of the things you own.
- Natasha Morgan
She recommended that packaging from any valuable Christmas gifts such as televisions and smartphones be flattened and hidden or taken directly to a waste transfer unit.
Possible hiding spots for thieves such as overgrown bushes should also be trimmed.
When hiding valuables from sight, people should consider more than just whether the items could be seen from windows, Ms Morgan cautioned.
“Children’s rooms aren’t off limits and are a major target," she said.
“That is one of the first places a burglar looks for valuables, [along with the] back of wardrobes and behind your cupboard drawers.”
Paperwork should also be stashed away somewhere secure.
”Even with just your name and address [thieves] can clone your identity and sell your credit to the highest bidder,” she said.
“It will be a nightmare for you to sort out.”
Always dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Report information about crime to Policelink on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
