Beating crime these school holidays

Recent reports have shown burglaries to be on the rise across the country, including in the Bay of Plenty.

With school holidays here, SunLive spoke to Community Constable Ian Searle about keeping safe and secure.


Taking preventative steps can keep people from becoming victims of crime. File Photo.

The year to June 2016 saw a 31.5 per cent increase in breaking and entering crimes, while there were almost 5000 thefts and related offences.

Ian says it's about taking preventative steps in order to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

'People still leave their goods in their car, such as their purse, phone, or laptop,” he says. 'They should lock their vehicle and have their goods hidden in the car, or preferably taken out to avoid someone walking past and seeing it.

'Offenders are still taking the opportunity if it presents itself. So it's a matter of people taking that opportunity away by securing their house and their car. That includes putting away any goods they might keep out the front of their property in view of the street.”

He also stresses the importance of people securing their properties before they go on holiday.

'If you get on well with your neighbours, talk to them and let them know when you're going away. It's always ongoing with burglaries, but when people have nothing better to do and they see an opportunity, they tend to take it.”

Ian says there are no suburbs more or less susceptible to crime.

'What I've seen recently is no particular pattern to burglaries. Offending tends to be spread over a wide area.”

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