The country’s largest insurer has provided some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a crime this festive season, and it includes keeping your garden in tip-top condition.
AMI is warning people to be wary over the summer months, with 20 percent of all annual theft insurance claims occurring in December and January – with the latter consistently the hottest month for thieves.
The insurer says this seasonal spike is likely because criminals know people are on holiday.
Top items taken are portable and easy to grab, things like clothes, tools, sporting equipment and electronics.
Christmas gifts are more likely to be stolen from cars than under the tree, with 75 percent of claims for gift thefts coming from car break-ins.
AMI has provided its tips on how to keep your belongings safe:
- Secure your home effectively. Install robust locks, alarm systems and motion-activated sensor lights, and don’t leave keys outside.
- Cash and jewellery are some of the first things a burglar will look for. Ensuring cash, handbags and valuables are out of sight will reduce the temptation for a burglar to attempt entry.
- Small electricals are still on the list of must-grabs, including laptops, phones and anything that can be sold on quickly. Keep small electricals out of sight where possible.
- Keep car keys out of sight. As improved anti-theft technology makes cars increasingly harder to steal, thieves will look for the keys so they can drive away without drawing attention to themselves.
- Use a wooden rod in the track of sliding doors. This will help stop unwanted thieves getting through the sliding door if they were able to jimmy the lock.
- Make friends with your neighbours. If you’re away for long periods, you can ask them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious, clear your mail and go inside to check everything’s safe. You could join a neighbourhood watch group too.
- Keep the gardens trimmed. Trees and shrubs give unwanted intruders a place to hide, so get them trimmed regularly so they’ve got nowhere to hide.
- Use technology. When on holiday, create the illusion you are at home by using gadgets such as timed lights and automated doorbells that can be answered via an app.
Check before you send
The police are reminding people not to send gift-cards, vouchers and money through the post, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.
They say it’s the busiest time of year for items being posted and because of that, there are more instances of mail theft.
Police are encouraging Kiwis to check the NZ Post website before sending anything to ensure it’s not prohibited.
People are also being reminded to be mindful of how their packages are being delivered too.
Police's tips include making sure someone is home when packages are expected, or having a secure location where a package can be left.
Alternatives include having a package delivered to a workplace or to a collection point provided by the courier company.
How packaging is disposed of can also be a red flag to potential thieves.
People are urged to avoid discarded boxes becoming advertisements for expensive items inside your homes.
Any suspicious behavior should be reported to Police by either calling 111 or by the non-emergency number, 105 or 105.police.govt.nz.
