Published Thursday, 13 December, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence urges residents to beware of 'Sneak Breaks' this Christmas
Police Minister Judy Spence is reminding Queensland residents to secure their homes over the Christmas holiday period, to avoid, burglary and opportunistic sneak breaks.
Sneak breaks occur when an offender enters premises through unlocked doors or open windows.
Ms Spence said people should ensure their property is locked and secure when they leave the house, and should even have the front door secured if they are in the back yard.
“It is an unfortunate fact, that during the holidays, opportunistic thieves are often on the look out for easy access through insecure windows or doors,” Ms Spence said.
“With our homes full of Christmas presents, the last thing anyone wants is to suffer the loss of property during a burglary that could have been avoided.
“Whether you’re dashing to the shops for the Christmas ham, or taking the family on a long holiday, it is important to make sure all access points to your home are secure and valuable items are kept in a safe place, out of the view of potential thieves.”
Ms Spence said there are a number of measures people can adopt to protect their property:
• Make locking external doors and windows a habit, even when you are in your premises or out in the yard. Those who occupy Multi Residence Dwellings be aware offenders who gain access by climbing balconies;
• Ensure any doors or windows left open for ventilation during the hot summer months, have the necessary security screens fitted;
• Objectively view your premises and conduct a basic security survey. Identify vulnerable areas and increase security where necessary;
• Take an inventory for all items of value including electrical goods, recording their brand, colour, model and serial number.
• Photograph your valuables and size jewellery against a ruler or match box to assist in determining size.
• Engrave or mark your property with a code made up of your initials, your date of birth as 6 digits and Q for Queensland. Police can record this code on their computer system, to assist in property recovery and promote a deterrent to offenders;
• Install security sensor lights and fit appropriate locks especially to those doors or windows hidden from public view;
• Place items such as cash, wallets, laptops and mobile phones out of sight, as these are targeted, quick to remove and dispose of by offenders;
• Make sure tools and ladders are kept in a secure place – offenders often use your garden equipment and wheelie bins to break into you’re your premises.
• Car owners should also ensure their vehicle is always locked and secured, even at home, with any valuable placed out of sight.
“The first line of defence in Crime Prevention starts with you! By adopting these simple security measures, we can all reduce crimes of opportunity this Christmas holiday period.”
Media contacts: Minister’s Office: 3239 6172 Police Media: 3015 2444
Sneak breaks occur when an offender enters premises through unlocked doors or open windows.
Ms Spence said people should ensure their property is locked and secure when they leave the house, and should even have the front door secured if they are in the back yard.
“It is an unfortunate fact, that during the holidays, opportunistic thieves are often on the look out for easy access through insecure windows or doors,” Ms Spence said.
“With our homes full of Christmas presents, the last thing anyone wants is to suffer the loss of property during a burglary that could have been avoided.
“Whether you’re dashing to the shops for the Christmas ham, or taking the family on a long holiday, it is important to make sure all access points to your home are secure and valuable items are kept in a safe place, out of the view of potential thieves.”
Ms Spence said there are a number of measures people can adopt to protect their property:
• Make locking external doors and windows a habit, even when you are in your premises or out in the yard. Those who occupy Multi Residence Dwellings be aware offenders who gain access by climbing balconies;
• Ensure any doors or windows left open for ventilation during the hot summer months, have the necessary security screens fitted;
• Objectively view your premises and conduct a basic security survey. Identify vulnerable areas and increase security where necessary;
• Take an inventory for all items of value including electrical goods, recording their brand, colour, model and serial number.
• Photograph your valuables and size jewellery against a ruler or match box to assist in determining size.
• Engrave or mark your property with a code made up of your initials, your date of birth as 6 digits and Q for Queensland. Police can record this code on their computer system, to assist in property recovery and promote a deterrent to offenders;
• Install security sensor lights and fit appropriate locks especially to those doors or windows hidden from public view;
• Place items such as cash, wallets, laptops and mobile phones out of sight, as these are targeted, quick to remove and dispose of by offenders;
• Make sure tools and ladders are kept in a secure place – offenders often use your garden equipment and wheelie bins to break into you’re your premises.
• Car owners should also ensure their vehicle is always locked and secured, even at home, with any valuable placed out of sight.
“The first line of defence in Crime Prevention starts with you! By adopting these simple security measures, we can all reduce crimes of opportunity this Christmas holiday period.”
Media contacts: Minister’s Office: 3239 6172 Police Media: 3015 2444