Police are asking people to keep an eye on their home and not become complacent about security.

Community Constable Rachel Walker says while many people may be coming back from their holiday, many are still taking holidays over February and March.

Community Constable Rachel Walker.

'We also have two long weekends coming up where people will be out and about enjoying the fabulous lifestyle we have to offer in the Western Bay, or maybe further a field.

'As a result of this, police would like to stress to people to be vigilant about their home security.

'There are some very simple steps that can be taken to ensure you don't come home to your house being burgled.”

She says one of the most important things people can do is to get to know their neighbours.

'If you do know your neighbours let them know when you are going away and returning, where you will be and a contact number while you are on holiday.

'If your neighbours are away please keep an eye on their house, do regular walks around the property.”
Rachel says collect their mail including junk mail, park your car in their driveway, hang your clothes on their clothes line is a good way of making the property looking occupied.

'If you have a key pull curtains / blinds so it looks like someone is living there.”

She says homes with good security are much less likely to be burgled than those without.

Rachel suggests people do the following if they do go away on holiday:

*Shut and lock all windows and doors including internal access doors, consider dead bolts and hide the keys

*Lock vehicles even if they are parked in the garage and hide the keys

*Consider using timers on radios and lights

*Lock away passports, official documents, jewellery

*If you have a burglar alarm, switch it on but leave the code with a neighbour

*Consider security lighting

*Cancel newspapers and redirect mail

*Lock away garden tools and ladders

*Make sure the family pet is looked after

*Consider getting lawns mowed if you are away for a long period of time

*Consider getting a friend or relative to house sit

*Ensure all serial numbers on property are recorded and use www.snap.org.nz

'A bit of extra time spent now on your home and vehicle security may save you a lot of heart ache when you return from holiday.”