South Asians sitting ducks for burglars
Police have noted that a significant number of burglaries are committed at homes, where there are obvious signs that the occupants are South Asians. The most common items that have been stolen in these burglaries are jewellery and cash, which are favoured by criminals, owing to ease of concealment and disposal.
Burglars are very well aware of the fact that South Asian communities tend to keep considerable amounts of cash and jewellery at home.
In a number of cases homes have been burgled where red flags have been flying outside. Whilst homeowners may choose to fly flags for cultural purposes, it should be realised that it does identify a property as a potential target for burglars, by indicating that the residents are likely to be South Asians.
Religious signs, personalised plates on vehicles such as INDIAN, putting lights on the outside of the house at night on occasions like Diwali, are some of the signs to burglars that a South Asian family is likely to reside at a particular address. Specifically identifying a house as belonging to a particular ethnic group, may increase the risk of burglary.
To reduce the risks of loss and protect property, particularly valuable or sentimental jewellery, it makes sense not to keep large amounts of cash and jewellery at home.
Burglars are aware that most people keep their jewellery in the master bedroom. It can be a good idea to keep jewellery in another room in the house, in a well concealed position, where a thief is unlikely to find it, preferably in a room covered by an alarm, if a burglar alarm is fitted.
An alternative would be to keep jewellery in a small safe of a sufficient attack resistant standard, with the safe securely bolted to a solid surface. For homeowners having large amounts of valuable jewellery, consideration should be given to storage at a Bank or secure safety deposit boxes elsewhere.
Record the serial numbers of expensive items and photograph these and other valuables.
It is advisable to install an alarm system and external sensor lights. Burglars do not like to be observed when committing offences. Sensor lights are a deterrent to burglars.
Burglars usually first assess a property to determine how easy or difficult it might be to commit the offence. They may conceal themselves behind high or dense foliage, or trees, and knock on the doors to see if anyone is home.
It is advisable to ensure that all plants and shrubs are trimmed to a reasonable height to prevent burglars from having opportunities for concealment. If neighbours and persons passing in the street have visibility into the property, this is a deterrent for burglars, as their suspicious activities can be observed.
Doors and windows should be kept locked, with deadbolt locks recommended for external doors, and patio bolts fitted to french doors and ranchsliders.
It is advisable to keep a radio on timer switch when occupants of the house are away as it acts as a deterrent for burglars.
While you are away on a Holiday
• Do not mention on your answering machine that you will be away from home for a few days.
• Get a neighbour or friend to make regular checks on the property from time to time.
• Make arrangements for your mail and newspaper to be stopped or collected by a friend or neighbour.
• Hide valuable items, financial documents and spare keys to vehicles at a safer place.
Festive Time
Take care when leaving empty boxes outside your home. They can give away details of new and valuable equipment that might be worth stealing. It is advisable not to decorate the house with lights during festive times as burglars often make such houses their target. If you are to decorate your house with lighting, someone should be present at home at all times during festive period.
Other Advice
It is always advisable to have a household contents insurance policy, and Police encourage members of the public to join their local neighbourhood support group. Information on how neigbourhood support functions can be found on the website www.ns.org.nz., with crime prevention advice listed under the heading of "safety tips".
To join neighbourhood support, telephone your nearest Police Station, provide your suburb and ask for the contact details of your local community constable.
Report any suspicious activity including suspicious vehicles or anything out of ordinary, to Police immediately. Information on reporting suspicious activity can be found on the Police website,
www.police.govt.nz
Police have noted that a significant number of burglaries are committed at homes, where there are obvious signs that the occupants are South Asians. The most common items that have been stolen in these burglaries are jewellery and cash, which are favoured by criminals, owing to ease of...
Police have noted that a significant number of burglaries are committed at homes, where there are obvious signs that the occupants are South Asians. The most common items that have been stolen in these burglaries are jewellery and cash, which are favoured by criminals, owing to ease of concealment and disposal.
Burglars are very well aware of the fact that South Asian communities tend to keep considerable amounts of cash and jewellery at home.
In a number of cases homes have been burgled where red flags have been flying outside. Whilst homeowners may choose to fly flags for cultural purposes, it should be realised that it does identify a property as a potential target for burglars, by indicating that the residents are likely to be South Asians.
Religious signs, personalised plates on vehicles such as INDIAN, putting lights on the outside of the house at night on occasions like Diwali, are some of the signs to burglars that a South Asian family is likely to reside at a particular address. Specifically identifying a house as belonging to a particular ethnic group, may increase the risk of burglary.
To reduce the risks of loss and protect property, particularly valuable or sentimental jewellery, it makes sense not to keep large amounts of cash and jewellery at home.
Burglars are aware that most people keep their jewellery in the master bedroom. It can be a good idea to keep jewellery in another room in the house, in a well concealed position, where a thief is unlikely to find it, preferably in a room covered by an alarm, if a burglar alarm is fitted.
An alternative would be to keep jewellery in a small safe of a sufficient attack resistant standard, with the safe securely bolted to a solid surface. For homeowners having large amounts of valuable jewellery, consideration should be given to storage at a Bank or secure safety deposit boxes elsewhere.
Record the serial numbers of expensive items and photograph these and other valuables.
It is advisable to install an alarm system and external sensor lights. Burglars do not like to be observed when committing offences. Sensor lights are a deterrent to burglars.
Burglars usually first assess a property to determine how easy or difficult it might be to commit the offence. They may conceal themselves behind high or dense foliage, or trees, and knock on the doors to see if anyone is home.
It is advisable to ensure that all plants and shrubs are trimmed to a reasonable height to prevent burglars from having opportunities for concealment. If neighbours and persons passing in the street have visibility into the property, this is a deterrent for burglars, as their suspicious activities can be observed.
Doors and windows should be kept locked, with deadbolt locks recommended for external doors, and patio bolts fitted to french doors and ranchsliders.
It is advisable to keep a radio on timer switch when occupants of the house are away as it acts as a deterrent for burglars.
While you are away on a Holiday
• Do not mention on your answering machine that you will be away from home for a few days.
• Get a neighbour or friend to make regular checks on the property from time to time.
• Make arrangements for your mail and newspaper to be stopped or collected by a friend or neighbour.
• Hide valuable items, financial documents and spare keys to vehicles at a safer place.
Festive Time
Take care when leaving empty boxes outside your home. They can give away details of new and valuable equipment that might be worth stealing. It is advisable not to decorate the house with lights during festive times as burglars often make such houses their target. If you are to decorate your house with lighting, someone should be present at home at all times during festive period.
Other Advice
It is always advisable to have a household contents insurance policy, and Police encourage members of the public to join their local neighbourhood support group. Information on how neigbourhood support functions can be found on the website www.ns.org.nz., with crime prevention advice listed under the heading of "safety tips".
To join neighbourhood support, telephone your nearest Police Station, provide your suburb and ask for the contact details of your local community constable.
Report any suspicious activity including suspicious vehicles or anything out of ordinary, to Police immediately. Information on reporting suspicious activity can be found on the Police website,
www.police.govt.nz
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