How to keep property safe

QUEENSLAND police advise that an empty home is a prime target for intruders because they have less chance of being disturbed and the offence can go undetected for days or even weeks.

Intruders always look for signs that a home is unoccupied. The longer the home is unoccupied, the more vulnerable it becomes.

Follow these tips for keeping your house secure while you’re away:

• Inform local police of your absence and leave a contact name and number.

• Check all doors and windows are securely locked.

• Ask your neighbours to watch for visitors but not to tell visitors you are away.

• Arrange a friend or neighbour to mow the lawn and water the plants.

• Arrange for mail to be held at the Post Office or collected by a neighbour.

• Cancel all deliveries, especially newspapers.

• Ask your neighbours collect junk mail.

• Secure your garbage bin. to

• Install electrical timers that automatically switch on lights and tune your radio to a talkback program during the day so you house looks and sounds “normal”.

• Disconnect the electrical pad on radio controlled or electronic garage doors and use a strong auxiliary key lock instead.

• Turn down the volume of your telephone ringer and don’t leave a message on your answering machine that tells callers you’re away.

• Check the yard to ensure no ladders or tools are accessible.

• Don’t leave keys concealed outside the house. Give them to a trusted friend or neighbour.

• Ask neighbours to contact police if they notice anything suspicious.

• Ask a neighbour to park their car in your driveway at different times.

• If you’re a member of Neighbourhood Watch, inform your neighbours and block co- ordinator that you will be away.