With housebreaking at an all-time high in certain areas, Newcastle police have issued tips to help residents safeguard their homes, and minimise the chances of being burgled.
Related article: Targeted areas in Newcastle. How safe are our suburbs?
Follow the precautions below, and avoid becoming a statistic:
– Ensure all doors are locked at all times, and windows are closed when you are not home.
– When leaving your house, inform your family or neighbours of your departure and when you expect to return, especially if you reside in a rural area.
– Arrange with your neighbour or family members to look after your house while you are away.
– Ensure tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, et cetera, which can be used during an attack, are locked away.
– Get into the habit of staying awake for a while after switching off the lights in your house.
– Make sure you have the correct curtains in your house, especially in your bedroom. You should not be visible from the outside of your home while you are asleep.
– Always keep a torch nearby at night. If you use it, make sure you do not give away your position.
– Clear the areas around your gates of bushes and other hiding places criminals might use.
– Drive different routes home regularly.
– There should be two communication systems for alternative backup: a telephone and a cellphone. Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
– Lastly, inform your children not to give an indication that an adult is not present when answering the phone while you are away.
Also see: House robbers caught in Heidelberg
For more information, or to report a crime, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, call the emergency line 10111, or Newcastle SAPS on 034-3146156.
