Most of us wouldn’t think twice about leaving our windows or garage door open while we’re mowing our back lawn or tending to our garden during summer.
And while you might not give it a second thought, it may give opportunistic thieves just the opening they need.
“Garden and garage tools can not only be stolen while you are in the backyard – or even in the house – items such as ladders can be used to gain entry to your home at a later date,” Neighbourhood Watch State Coordinator Sergeant Steve Batterham said.
“The majority of break and enters are opportunistic so don’t help thieves into your home by leaving easily accessible windows ajar while you’re in the backyard, or the garage door open while you’ve popped inside to have lunch.
“Brazen thieves have been known to steal anything from ladders, hammers and chisels to ride-on mowers and gas-welders from garages and garden sheds. So make sure these areas are locked when you’re not using them.”
Key-locking screen-doors can also help prevent thieves from gaining easy entry into your home.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is the Neighbourhood Watch program’s major sponsor with the two organisations working together to promote community safety.
REIQ executive manager Leonie Foster also said many people incorrectly believe that burglaries do not occur at the weekends.
“While people are at home more at the weekends, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to gain entry to your home, or steal tools from your garage, if they suspect you are otherwise occupied,” Ms Foster said.
And while you might not give it a second thought, it may give opportunistic thieves just the opening they need.
“Garden and garage tools can not only be stolen while you are in the backyard – or even in the house – items such as ladders can be used to gain entry to your home at a later date,” Neighbourhood Watch State Coordinator Sergeant Steve Batterham said.
“The majority of break and enters are opportunistic so don’t help thieves into your home by leaving easily accessible windows ajar while you’re in the backyard, or the garage door open while you’ve popped inside to have lunch.
“Brazen thieves have been known to steal anything from ladders, hammers and chisels to ride-on mowers and gas-welders from garages and garden sheds. So make sure these areas are locked when you’re not using them.”
Key-locking screen-doors can also help prevent thieves from gaining easy entry into your home.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is the Neighbourhood Watch program’s major sponsor with the two organisations working together to promote community safety.
REIQ executive manager Leonie Foster also said many people incorrectly believe that burglaries do not occur at the weekends.
“While people are at home more at the weekends, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to gain entry to your home, or steal tools from your garage, if they suspect you are otherwise occupied,” Ms Foster said.
