Queensland Police Service crime figures* showed on average 26 Bundaberg homes broken into every month and more than 310 local households entered by thieves over the past year. Alarmingly, 6 of the unlawful entries were with violence against the householder.
Bundaberg Police Division: Unlawful entry dwelling offences:
Month Number of unlawful entry of dwellings
| October 2019 | 16 |
| September | 19 |
| August | 41 |
| July | 28 |
| June | 15 |
| May | 20 |
| April | 22 |
| March | 20 |
| February | 42 |
| January | 40 |
| December 2018 | 30 |
| November | 24 |
Total 317
*QPS QLD Crime Statistics – December 2019
Sure Insurance Managing Director Bradley Heath said “Bundaberg householders should put in place simple security measures that could easily reduce the opportunity for thieves to enter their home over the holidays.”
“Most home theft is random and opportunistic yet incidents of thieves targeting occupied homes and personal items are on the increase so it’s essential householders think about the basics when it comes home security,” said Mr Heath.
“The most common entry point for thieves is an external door such as the front or back door and even laundry doors. However, many householders often leave doors open and unlocked, many also fail to lock deadlocks and windows are not always locked when they should be.”
“We recommend householders take a few basic and affordable security measures. Consider installing motion activated external lighting, a home alarm or home security camera system as these identifiable measures often deter thieves,” he said.
“A common protection measure people often use when they go away is to ask a friend or trusted neighbour to collect mail and keep an eye on the home.”
“Given the tremendous community spirit that exists across Bundaberg it would be great to see trusted neighbors looking out for each other over the holidays,” said Mr Heath.
“BY TAKING A FEW EXTRA SECURITY STEPS YOUR BELONGINGS AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS WILL BE MORE PROTECTED AND YOU MAY AVOID THE TRAUMA OF A BREAK-IN OVER THE HOLIDAYS,” SAID MR HEATH.
Sure Insurance Christmas holiday period home security tips
- Remember the basics – it’s no good installing locks and then not using them.
- Make sure everyone in your home is equally security conscious. Have a routine that everyone follows to check door and window locks when the house is left unoccupied.
- Don’t assume balcony doors or high windows are safe to leave unlocked – thieves are good at finding ways to overcome these obstacles.
- Store easy-to-carry, expensive items such as laptops and jewellery away and out of sight so thieves can’t see them – consider installing a safe.
- Don’t leave doors or windows wide open for long periods even while you’re at home.
- Don’t leave car keys and wallets beside open windows or doors – thieves are targeting car keys.
- Engage deadlocks when you leave the house so that thieves cannot carry items out through your main doors.
- If you can’t arrange for someone to collect your mail when you’re on holiday, ask the post office to hold it until you return. Also, attach a ‘no advertising material’ sign to your letterbox so it doesn’t overflow.
- Consider installing motion activated external lights, home alarm and security camera systems that will deter thieves.
- Tell your neighbors if your home is broken into – then they can remember to be extra careful and alert to report any suspicious activity to police.
For further information contact Mike Sopinski at Sure Insurance 0421 052 598
