If you suspect someone is inside your home, do not go inside. Go to a neighbour’s house and contact the police on 000.
If you see an intruder leaving, make a note or
memorise a description of him/her, the vehicle
and number plate.
If the burglar has gone, do not touch anything.
It may need to be fingerprinted.
Itemise what has been taken. Keep notes, you
may even notice items missing several days
after the burglary.
Contact your insurance company and arrange
for an assessor to visit your home.
Some Items Need Immediate Attention
Credit cards and cheque books are not
transferable. In most circumstances you are
not responsible for illegal use of credit cards
AFTER you have reported their disappearance.
Remember that if you have been burgled,
you have a one in four greater chance of being
burgled again in the next 12 months.
INCREASE YOUR SECURITY
Evaluate the security areas in your house:
windows, doors and lights.
Install deadbolt locks.
Hinge doors so no pins can be removed
from the outside.
Consider increasing the security of your
windows by installing locks.
For sliding windows and doors purchase a slide
lock with a key. These are designed to prevent
patio type doors from being forced open.
Consider having a peephole installed in your
outside door. You will not have to open your
door to determine the identity of your caller.
When you move into a new house or apartment,
have new locks installed.
Proper and creative lighting of your premises
and home not only makes you feel secure but
makes your property safer.
If you are away from your house, use timers
on various lights within your home to give the
‘message’ that your residence is inhabited. It can
also be useful to leave a radio or TV playing to
give the impression that someone is home.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PROTECT
YOURSELF AT HOME
Do not keep large amounts of money or
other valuables at home.
Lock outside doors at all times, even when
you are at home.
Do not open the door to strangers without
checking that they are who they say they are.
Ensure that your garage and tool shed
are locked.
Minimise shrubbery and other obstructions
in your yard that could conceal an intruder.
SOME WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
WHEN YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME
Purchase a timer to switch lights on and off.
Arrange to have mail, milk and newspaper
deliveries discontinued or taken care of by
a responsible neighbour.
Inform trusted neighbours and local police
of your travel plans.
HELP THE POLICE HELP YOU
Write down the license numbers of vehicles
used by suspicious persons in your
neighbourhood.
Keep an inventory of valuables so you will
know immediately if anything is missing.
Include photographs of jewellery and serial
numbers of other costly items.
Source: National Crime Prevention - Australia
Jaap Vogel and Vanessa Bull - volunteer snake handlers and re-locators from Mt Tamborine came to talk about snake behaviour, identification and demonstrated first aid. This talk was educational and enthralling and peppered with some great and very funny stories from Vanessa and Jaap's travels! They also surprised us all by being able to bring a carpet snake to the meeting after all!
