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MARTIN DE RUYTER
Nelson Police Sergeant Major Hamish Chapman warns people not to leave valuables such as computers and bags in plain sight in their cars.
A series of robberies in Nelson and Motueka has prompted police to warn people to secure their homes and vehicles to avoid becoming victims of crime.
Nelson Bays Police Sergeant Major Hamish Chapman said that while there was not a large increase in the number of burglaries and burglaries, in many cases, criminals had taken advantage of homes and cars that were left unlocked and Uninsured.
Investigations were ongoing and one person has been charged with burglary and burglary.
Chapman said it was “heartbreaking” for families to lose Christmas gifts or other valuables at this time of year.
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“People don’t earn their money easily and they don’t want to be scammed.
“Remove valuables from sight, if they have to be in a vehicle, put them in a glove compartment so people can’t see.”
Police are warning people to secure their homes after a series of burglaries and robberies in the region. (File photo)
Police data displayed for the Tasmania district in the month of October showed 119 burglaries and robberies, which was up from 111 in October 2019.
Chapman said that with Christmas and the summer holidays approaching, it was a good time to make sure the home and properties were safe and that everyone could take simple steps to deter criminals.
“We make people go out of the house at night and sometimes mischief is unfortunately made and if we can make it harder for them and deny them the opportunity, we will prevent people from becoming victims.
Chapman said people should take note and report car registrations and descriptions of suspicious vehicles or people, keep an eye out for their neighbors and let them know if you’re leaving.
“Simple things like cleaning the mailbox and cleaning around your property show you are busy and less of a target.
“We would rather attend to prevent a crime from happening than to attend after a crime has occurred.”
Police are encouraging the public to take the following steps to deter criminals;
With your vehicle:
- Park in well-lit areas when possible.
- Do not leave valuables or documents with personal information.
- Always lock your vehicles when you drop them off and take your keys with you.
- All boats or vehicles on your property must be disabled so they cannot be moved or towed.
- Consider a steering wheel lock – it’s a great deterrent.
With your home:
- Close your doors and windows.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Record the serial numbers of expensive electronics and photograph these and other valuables.
- Install an alarm system and place lights with sensors.
- Keep yard sheds and garages locked when not in use.
- Keep hedges or plants around doors and windows neatly trimmed, don’t give thieves a place to hide.
