Message from the Area Prevention Manager

Area Prevention Manager Waitemata North – Orewa

Crime prevention can be captured within three basic principles.

These principles apply to urban, rural and commercial environment’s alike. These principles apply to urban, rural and commercial environment’s alike. The first principle is that you can do a few simple actions that will make it difficult for your property to be taken. Simple actions such as having a daily dusk routine that includes going to your car to ensure the car is locked and the windows are up. While there, you should make sure there are no valuables left inside. Sadly, police often hear of handbags, laptop computers, cell phones, wallets, purses, shoes clothing and other valuables left inside vehicles and offered to thieves. For the tradies, making sure the vehicle has a security system will help prevent the tools being taken and the subsequent loss of income while you wait for the insurance claim and tool replacements.

It doesn’t really matter what time to go through this routine so long as it is a routine and it occurs before you ‘turn in’ for the night. Night-time is relevant too because burglars love operating in the dark so if you have sensor lights, these are an effective deterrence. Your final act of the routine should be to check all your windows and doors are locked or secured.

If you live rurally and you have a gate, then spend the extra minute to close and or lock your front gate. Criminals will drive by a closed gate looking for the ‘easy job’. The second principal is to keep a record of your valuables. (see NSNZ Form for Marking and Recording Valuables). Recording serial numbers in advance offers peace of mind if burglary occurs. It can assist the police and your contents insurance claim and makes it easier for police to track your stolen property. The third principle relates to you recording and reporting suspicious activity. Most cell phones have great camera’s so if you see someone that looks like there up to no good, get out your phone and get a photo of them if you can, or get a photo of the registration of any vehicles they are with or in. This will help police hugely to track them down and hold them to account. You can report crimes anonymously either by phoning Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 or online via https://www.police.govt.nz/105support you can add any photos you took as well.

You can report crimes anonymously either by phoning Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 or online via www.police.govt.nz/105support .

Nga mihi mahana

Steve Pivac

Area Prevention Manager NZ Police, Waitemata North - Orewa