Sure Insurance is cautioning householders to be alert for home intrusions or sneak raids on homes by brazen thieves who in a tricky and bold move are known to dress in ‘high-vis’ work wear in attempts to escape suspicion.
Bradley Heath, Managing Director of Sure Insurance said, “We often see a rise in home thefts at this time of the year – mainly sneak raids on the homes of unsuspecting residents and we are aware thieves are often attempting to disguise themselves as tradies in ‘high-vis’.
Queensland Police Service crime figures* showed an alarming number of homes broken into across the north and far north over the past year (December 2020 – November 2021).
| QPS District Offence Numbers | QPS Division Offence Numbers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Far North | 2,699 | Cairns | 1,315 |
| Townsville | 3,385 | Townsville | 816 |
| Mackay | 780 | Mackay | 360 |
“Opportunistic thieves are prepared to enter occupied homes, and those opting for a home ‘staycation’ these holidays should remain vigilant about the security of their home,” said Mr Heath.
“Householders should put in place simple security measures that could easily reduce the opportunity for thieves to enter their home over the holidays.”
“Don’t make it easy for opportunistic thieves as 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.”
“If going away these holidays a common protection measure people use is to ask a friend or trusted neighbour to collect mail and keep an eye on the home,” he said.
“Given the tremendous community sprit that exists across FNQ it would be great to see trusted neighbours looking out for each other over the holidays.”
“By remaining alert while at home and taking a few extra security steps your belongings will be more protected and you may avoid the trauma of a break-in over the holidays,” said Mr Heath.
Sure Insurance 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 – opportunistic 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 report suspicious activity to police.
For further information contact Mike Sopinski 0421 052 598
*Queensland Police Service online Crime Statistics: Reported Unlawful Entry – Dwelling offences: (Dec 2020 – Nov 2021)