Stop burglars from ruining summer

Summer is fast approaching and here are some tips to keep your home secure.

In a perfect world, we’d never have to worry about our stuff being stolen. But as Christmas looms and we start planning our summer holidays, it’s important to consider the unthinkable.

According to a study carried out earlier this year, approximately 164 burglaries occurred every day in New Zealand in 2015, and almost 60,000 went unsolved. The most common items that are stolen include electrical goods like TVs, iPads, cameras and smartphones, jewellery and watches, bicycles and tools, so if you own any of these make sure you keep them safe.

Roger Wallace, AMI general manager customer contact, says summer is a prime time for criminals to take advantage.

‘‘Many people leave their windows open because it’s hot. And while we’re in another room, in the backyard or out enjoying the sun, opportunistic thieves could be in your home taking your stuff,’’ he says.

But while it’s a sad fact that theft is prolific throughout much of the country, there are a few things you can do to protect your stuff should the unthinkable happen to you.’’ what you had and what they’re worth. The Locker is free, simple to use and totally secure. Upload photos, serial numbers and receipts; you can even lodge items room by room to help keep everything organised. For more information head to neighbourly.co.nz/homecontents.