Here are some of our local Ootaahuhu (Ōtāhuhu) Crime Prevention Team's top tips to keep your whaanau, valuables and property safe over the holiday silly season.
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. If you’re out doing the Christmas shopping, don’t leave your new presents in the car in plain sight of thieves while you’re away shopping.
- When you’re shopping online, make sure the site is safe and reputable. Don’t share passwords across sites. If your details are stolen from one site, they could be used to log in to another.
- Be aware of scams and requests for details about bank accounts and passwords. They may try to persuade you to provide this to ‘verify’ your account. If it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t.
- If you’re heading away, let your neighbours know so they can keep an eye on your house. Ask them to put your bins out and empty the mailbox so it appears that you are home.
- Make sure you lock the house properly and don’t leave car keys in obvious places. You don’t want a burglar using your vehicle as their getaway car.
- Before you head away keep your trees and bushes trimmed. Don’t leave a place for burglars to hide.
- If you’re heading away in the car, there’s no rush to get to your destination. It’s a holiday, so stay relaxed. The roads will be busy so plan for delays, stay off your phone and stick to the speed limit. There will be a reduced speed tolerance across the holiday period.
- If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Organise your ride home before you head out.