Keeping your home safe

It’s important for everyone to feel safe in their own home. You can take some sensible security measures so that your home will be less likely to be burgled.
 

Inside your home

• Put good quality locks on your doors, windows, sheds, or garage. Put security stays on windows, especially on the ground level.
• Lock your door when you’re at home and when you go out.
• If you like to leave the window open when you’re sleeping, use a window security stay.
• Hide all valuables, and keep your wallet, laptop, smartphone, handbag, and keys out of sight of the windows.
• Consider installing a home alarm system.

Outside your home

• Consider installing extra security such as security lights or a videocam.
• Keep tools and ladders locked away when not in use.
• Keep your front fence or bushes low enough so that your home is visible from the street. Burglars look for properties which would conceal their activities.
• Don’t hide house or car keys in obvious places like outside the front door under the mat, in the letterbox, or under a nearby plant pot! Use a lock box with a code.

When you're away from your home

• Leave your house looking lived-in and the odd light left on or the radio playing. Think about getting a timer light which will switch on at the time they normally would if you were at home.

• Ask a neighbour to collect your mail or New Zealand Post to hold it until you get back. There is a small fee for this service which can be arranged online, at a Post shop, or by phone on 0800 501 501.

• Don’t tell too many people about your holiday plans and wait till you get home to share about it on social media.

• Tell trusted neighbours you’ll be away and when you’ll be back. Swap phone numbers or emails. Ask them to keep an eye on things and let you know about any concerns. Think about giving family, whānau or a close friend details of where you’ll be staying and any relevant contact numbers.

• Consider joining a Neighbourhood Support scheme. These are run by communities for communities so each one is different. To find out more about your local group visit the Neighbourhood Support website.

• If you have a landline, forward it to your mobile.

Use this handy checklist
The police have a helpful list of quick questions relating to home safety. Once you’ve answered them they’ll email you a few simple tips that can make you and your property safer.  https://forms.police.govt.nz/forms/home-safety-checklist  

For safety and crime prevention in rural homes and properties
See the booklet Rural Crime Prevention Advice Guide produced by FMG and police for rural employers, workers, and communities.

Other useful information and websites

Be safe, feel safe - safety information from New Zealand Police