ACT Police are reminding Canberrans of the importance of home security to reduce the chance of burglaries.
Detective Station Sergeant Mark Rowswell said police had seen opportunistic burglaries as a result of residences not being secured.
“Recent analysis by Australian Federal Police (AFP) Forensics Intelligence Team has shown that of all home burglaries examined in the first three months of this year, offenders gained access to unsecured property more than 60 per cent of the time,” Detective Station Sergeant Rowswell said.
“We know that the more secure the home – the less likely it will be burgled,” he said.
“Concerningly – in one week in late April we had eight instances of residents being in the unsecured home when offenders stole or attempted to steal items.”
He said criminals would grab any opportunity to enter a home and take items of value.
“Our message is simple – ALWAYS lock your doors and windows,” Detective Station Sergeant Rowswell said.
“We urge everyone to consider the security of their residences to make it as hard as possible for opportunistic thieves.”
He said people could take simple steps to secure their homes including locking doors and windows; installing sensor lights or security cameras; never leaving keys and wallets by the front door; keeping valuables somewhere hard to find; and never leaving keys hidden outside the home.
Further information on how to reduce the risk of burglary can be accessed on the ACT Police website via this PS News link.
