That way you can be better informed about what you can do to reduce a burglar’s opportunities and, in turn, help prevent burglary.

To help make your property and possessions safer from the risk of burglary, New Zealand Police and Neighbourhood Support New Zealand have developed the following information about who burgles a house and why.

Who am I?

• I can be male or female and I act on easy or tempting opportunities
• I burgle houses during the day or night – especially when I can see no one’s home or the risk of being seen or caught is low
• I may operate alone or with other people I know
• I may be on foot or could use a vehicle to cruise and check out your neighbourhood looking for those easy or tempting opportunities
• I often burgle one or more nearby houses in the neighbourhood
• I generally don’t stray too far from my home. I like familiar territory such as the routes to work, school or a friend’s place.
• I’m always on the look-out for opportunities along the way, but I won’t burgle too close to home in case someone recognises me.
• I may look out of place in your neighbourhood, but few people take note of my activity or even ring the Police to report suspicious activity

Why do I pick your place?

• I like houses where it looks like no one’s home – lights aren’t on at night, curtains may be drawn during the day, or mail and newspapers have been left to accumulate in the letterbox.
• I like houses where a window or door is left open or unsecured
• I like houses where people can’t see what I’m doing from the street. Trees and shrubs may block the view
• I like houses that have alleyways running beside them or back onto parks, reserves or green belts
• I like houses where items of value are left outside overnight, like a bike
• I like houses where the garage door is open, I can see your car isn’t there and there’s something valuable inside, like a lawnmower
• I like houses I’ve been to before. I know the layout, what’s in them and how to get out.
• If I’ve burgled a house once, it’s likely I’ll try it again when valuable items have been replaced.

If something about a house catches a burglar’s eye, then s/he is more likely to attempt a burglary right away or note it for later.

How do I operate?

• I’m usually looking for cash or small, valuable items I can quickly convert into cash such as jewellery, videos and stereo equipment
• Often I’m stealing to order and may have a car nearby to help with my ‘get away’
• I usually sell stolen property to people who like to buy things cheaply
• I may go onto a property and knock on the door to see if anyone is home
• If someone is home, I normally make up an excuse for being there. For example, I’m looking for my dog or a nearby street
• I try to get in and out of your home as quickly and quietly as possible
• Sometimes I hide your property nearby and come and get it later

What don’t I like?

Houses with alarms

• Neighbours who support each other, talk to each other and take an interest in what’s going on around them, particularly people they don’t know or haven’t seen before
• Neighbours who report suspicious activity to Police and are able to give good descriptions of who and what they’ve seen
• Dogs or guard dog signs on fences and gates
• Houses with good locks on doors, windows and other entry points
• A vehicle in the driveway
• Lights, TV or stereo on
• People who mark valuable property with serial numbers and keep a record of those numbers

The following information outlines some practical and simple steps to reduce the risk of being burgled:

• Set up or join a Neighbourhood Support Group in your area and advertise the fact by displaying Neighbourhood Support signs and stickers.
• Make sure doors, windows and other entry and exit points from your house have good quality, effective catches and locks – deadlocks if possible. Get into the habit of always using these locks
• Always lock doors and windows at night, if you’re out in the garden or going out or away. Don’t leave a door key hidden outside – burglars know all the places to look
• Keep garden sheds and garages secure and lock away tools and ladders
• Have an alarm system professionally installed and consider having it monitored by a reputable security company
• Install sensor lights on access paths or around main external doors
• Install a ‘peep-hole’ in a front door so you know who’s visiting you
• Ask unannounced visitors who they are and what they want. If you’re not satisfied with their answer, don’t open the door to them
• Trim trees or remove shrubbery which might ‘hide’ a burglar’s activity
• Get to know your neighbours and develop plans to deal with problems or suspicious activity. Exchanging phone numbers or emergency contact details is a good start.
• If you’re going away, neighbours can collect your mail or newspaper and make your place look occupied, for example by turning on lights, parking a vehicle in your driveway, hanging washing on your line or mowing lawns
• Mark valuable property with serial numbers and keep a record of these numbers
• Consider placing “Beware of Dog” signs on gates or fences
• If you have an answer phone, don’t record a message that suggests you’re out or alone.
• Police are always interested in suspicious activity. Don’t hesitate to call Police to report something out of the ordinary and, if you see a crime being committed, call 111.

Above all, remember burglars like easy, tempting opportunities. DON’T overlook the obvious and DO all you can to reduce the risk of being burgled.

If you, or someone you know has been burgled, it is best to take immediate action to improve the security of your home and reduce the risk of being burgled again.

If you do see someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood ask yourself the following questions.

• Have I seen this person in the neighbourhood before? [If you live in a cul-de-sac or a more rural location a non-local will be immediately obvious]
• Does s/he look comfortable doing what they’re doing?
• Is there a sense of purpose to the person’s activity? Do they look like they’re going somewhere? Are they hesitant or even loitering?
• What does the person appear to be looking at and why?
• How did the person come to be in the area? Is there a car nearby, and if s/he is some distance from it, why? What’s the car registration number?

Answering these questions and even taking notes about the person’s appearance, clothes, height or other distinguishing features can go a long way toward identifying a crime suspect and making your neighbourhood a safer place to live.

A burglar alarm is an effective crime prevention deterrent. Once an alarm system activates, a burglar rarely lingers at the scene to gather up property.

An alarm also:

• Increases safety and security for you and your family;
• Provides peace of mind; and
• Helps keep your household possessions safe.

An alarm, combined with other security measures such as security lighting and good locks on doors and windows, can go a long way toward increasing the security of your home and reducing the risk of burglary.

What type of alarm do I need?
When considering the type of alarm best suited for your home you should think about:

• the requirements of your family; and
• your lifestyle and type of home.

You need to feel secure and confident about your home security but you not want to feel like a prisoner in your own home.

Basic alarm systems

Most simple alarm systems include:

• 2 – 4 sensors/detectors (which can distinguish between human and pet movement);
• a touch pad or key pad;
• a control unit (ideally with battery back-up in case of a power failure); and
• an internal and/or external siren.

More sophisticated alarms have a wider range of features such as:

• alarming certain areas of the house while you are home;
• perimeter detectors which can detect an intruder before they enter your property; and
• panic alarms which let you activate the alarm remotely e.g. from your bedside.

How much does an alarm system cost?

A reliable alarm system, installed by a certified company, can cost between $1200 – $2500. You can, however, spend much more for additional security features.

It’s wise to get a range of quotes from different alarm companies and thoroughly research and compare what they offer so you can see what you’re getting for your money. Don’t be pressured into buying until you’re satisfied the alarm and the company is right for you.

Alarm Installation

One of the most important aspects of a home alarm system is to have it properly installed by a technician from a reputable security company.

Companies and people installing, repairing or monitoring burglar alarms should have a current Security Guard’s Licence issued by the Department for Courts pursuant to the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act 1974. You should ask to see their licence.

Alarm Monitoring

A monitored alarm is an extra safeguard and you should consider having your alarm monitored by a reputable security company i.e. a company with a Security Guard’s Licence.

The different types of monitoring, costs and levels of service provided by the monitoring company should be explored when getting quotes for your alarm system.

Points to note

• If someone in your neighbourhood already has an alarm, ask them about the company they used and if it suits their needs.
• Most insurance companies offer premium discounts on house and contents insurance if a burglar alarm is installed.
• Less expensive alarms may vary in quality, but the deterrent value is better than no alarm.
• If you become aware of intruders in your home, never confront them. Your personal safety and the safety of your family should be your primary concern.

Any intruders could be armed or they might flee the house or building in a physically violent manner or perhaps try and hi-jack a vehicle to escape more quickly.

Be prepared – know what to do

1. Identify the source of the alarm and observe the address for a few moments if you have a line of sight from your home or other place you are observing from.

2. If you see suspicious activity such as unfamiliar persons loitering or carrying property from the house or building, strange vehicles or hear the sound of glass breaking, dial 111 immediately and write down what you see, particularly descriptions of persons and vehicles and the direction of travel if they leave. See the fact sheets on giving a good description andwhen to call 111. The Police may ask you to continue to observe and tell them what is happening while they are on their way, but unless the Police ask to meet and speak with you as a witness it is best to stay out of the way at a safe distance.

3. If there is no suspicious activity and you think the alarm is a false alarm, police still appreciate being told and having the opportunity to attend if they are able to. Call your nearest Police station http://www.police.govt.nz/district/. You may decide to call the Police immediately or after some further observation. It really depends on the circumstances as you see them. If you are genuinely in doubt and uncomfortable about whether or not the alarm may be real it is best to immediately make a 111 call.

4. If the Police are unable to attend they may ask you if you are able to provide some more information or investigate and report back to them.

5. If you do not have a line of sight, telephone other members of your neighbourhood support group who may be closer and can see what is happening.

6. If there are no neighbourhood support group members at home close to the activation, consider approaching the address to observe and investigate. Whether it is safe to go closer will depend on the circumstances, such as time of day, what is happening in the street at the time and your personal health and fitness.

7. If you decide to investigate it is recommended for safety that this is done in pairs and others are aware of what you are doing.

8. If you see an offence committed the Police urge you to call them immediately on 111. The circumstances in which an offender can be detained by a member of the public are very limited. The Police do not advise citizens to unnecessarily place their safety at risk. Offenders may be armed and could inflict injury. See the fact sheet on citizen’s arrest and self-defence.

9. If the address of the activation belongs to a member of your neighbourhood support group or someone you know, telephone them. If an intruder is present, an incoming call may give the impression the alarm is monitored and cause the intruder to leave immediately. If a householder has taken refuge in a secure room with a telephone you may achieve direct contact with the householder.

10. If you consider it safe to do so, conduct an external inspection for signs of forced entry. If you see an open window or door, which may have been used by an offender to gain entry, do not go inside. The offender could still be present and pose a threat to your safety. Entering the house could also be detrimental to crime scene investigation, particularly with regard to fingerprint evidence. However, this guideline might not be applicable if an occupant is at home and calling out for assistance. Your action will depend on the circumstances. Making noise so an offender is aware assistance is at hand may cause the offender to flee and make physical intervention unnecessary.

11. In situations where offenders are present or have fled the scene, care should be taken as far as possible to avoid contaminating the immediate area and preventing Police dogs from obtaining a scent to track or mistaking you for an offender.

12. When checking an activation it is a good idea to carry a mobile phone if available and also a torch if at night.

13. Contact the owner or keyholder if details are known. If no sign of entry leave a note in the letterbox for the information of the owner. Some types of alarms may reset without the owner noticing an activation and the system may require checking by a technician.

14. There may be a sign attached to the house or building naming the security company that provides alarm monitoring and can be contacted for an after-hours call-out. This information will assist the Police when you call them or report back to them. If the alarm is monitored, a security patrol will have been dispatched and the monitoring company will have advised the Police that they are attending.

15. An active neighbourhood support group will encourage people to notify neighbours when going away for an extended period and make provision for access to keys and alarm codes, or a keyholder. See the fact sheet on the ideal neighbourhood support group.

16. A faulty alarm can be a nuisance to neighbours, especially if a time limiter is not fitted. Some Councils have bylaws that stipulate the maximum time that an alarm may sound and or that an alarm should not reactivate unless manually reset.

17. Many Councils have enforcement officers who can take action under the Resource Management Act 1991 to control excessive noise from faulty alarms that continually annoy neighbours. This can include de-activating a faulty alarm.

18. Neighbourhood support group members should lead by example and have a reliable burglar alarm that is regularly serviced. See the fact sheet on home burglar alarms.

We thought it would be a good idea to provide a simple rundown on How to Get Started:

Step 1 – Make contact

• Contact your local police station, council, or a Neighbourhood Support contact person

If you live in an area where there is no Neighbourhood Support coordinator nor Community Constable to help you set up a group, we will do all we can to assist at arms length to support you during your set up period.

Step 2 – Find members

The local Neighbourhood Support coordinator will help:

• determine a practical size for your group
• coordinate invites to join the group
• set up the initial group ‘get together’
• identify the volunteer contact person and a deputy for the group

Step 3 – Start Up meeting

The local Neighbourhood Support coordinator will attend the first meeting and:

• explain how a Neighbourhood Support group works
• distribute information packs and street signs
• help gather details for a group contact list
• stay in contact with the group via the contact person

Step 4 – Follow up

The group contact person will:

• distribute the contact list to their group members and keep it up to date
• distribute information such as newsletters and crime alerts
• arrange future meetings (if required) including an annual ‘get together’

The contact person is referred to as a Street Contact. This role is crucial in keeping information up to date and in feeding information back to the community.

Resources and other supporting mechanisms can be accessed by contacting any of the above persons. Signs, stickers, leaflets and folders are provided by Neighbourhood Support New Zealand as part of your start-up and ongoing maintenance of your group.

This extends to include:

• Meet regularly to discuss common concerns.
• Notify each other of anything suspicious that is currently happening in their neighbourhood.
• Respect each other’s confidences.
• Offer support to any of their neighbours who have been victims.
• Keep each other informed of any criminal activity that has happened or is happening around their area.
• Are aware of any physical limitations that any neighbours may have (young children, disabled, elderly etc.).
• Are aware of the resources that are available within the neighbourhood.
• Have worked out how that will deal with various situations that may confront their community.
• Have arranged “emergency signals” and have rehearsed those signals. This is particularly useful for people living on their own.
• Notify the police of “suspicious behaviour” or any activity that threatens life or property.
• Take early positive action when required.
• Are aware of the safety of children on the street.
• Take basic crime prevention measures to secure their property.
• Upgrade security at times when premises are being vacated.
• Regularly update records of the neighbours within their group and pass them on to the neighbourhood support co-ordinator.
• Keep their group list with telephone numbers immediately on hand.