Rotorua Grey Power October 2017

Precautions for
holiday periods
The summer is upon us and during that time
people often take their holidays and travel away
from home. This is not a period to drop your
guard regarding crime prevention as criminals
don’t take holidays and often think of them as
harvest time with fruit ripe for the picking.
BRUCE QUEDLEY
Neighbourhood Support
Peace of mind while you
are away helps you relax
and enjoy your holiday. In
your planning take into account
the security of your home and
possessions.
No matter where you are, at
home, in a bach, in a motel unit,
at a camping ground, anywhere,
do not leave your property
insecure.
Yes, it does get hot and
windows do get opened to help
air circulation but think about
the consequences of leaving
windows wide open with no
security stays. An open window
is an open invitation to the
criminal who will use it to access
your property and steal your
possessions.
If you haven’t already done
so and can afford to, have security
stays fitted to windows.
These prevent windows from
being opened fully but do allow
for ventilation. Criminals even
target open windows on levels
above the ground level and will
seek ways to lift themselves up
to that level.
If you are staying in one part
of the house don’t leave the other
part unlocked as criminals do
access unlocked doors while
people are at the other end of
their homes. Get in the habit of
locking the doors. If you are able
to afford it, have security screen
doors fitted to allow circulation
while being locked.
When you plan on going
away, even for a night, advise a
trusted neighbour to keep an eye
on your home. Leave with them
a contact number for you while
you are away and the expected
date of your return.
Have someone empty your
mail/newspaper boxes as overflowing
boxes are an indication
to a criminal you are away. If
possible have your trusted neighbour/relative
open and close your
curtains/blinds in the morning
and evening to give the impression
you are home.
The trusted neighbour/relative
could put out the rubbish
and bring back the empty bin on
rubbish day. Don’t leave a bin
out so it will be emptied while
you are away. Empty bins are
again a sign to criminals that no
one is home.
If you have a timer switch
on a light set it so that it will
switch on and off each evening.
If you are away for a long period,
organise for someone to regularly
mow your lawns.
Make arrangements for your
pets either to be boarded at a kennel/cattery
or have someone feed
and exercise them. Bored dogs,
in particular can make a noise
and disturb neighbours. Please
consider your pets, including
fish, guinea pigs, rabbits etc, in
your holiday plans.
When using your vehicle
always lock it when unattended,
no matter how short a period
you are away from it. Never
leave valuables in an unattended
vehicle.
Remember, if you see anyone
committing a crime or behaving
suspiciously, immediately phone
the police emergency number -
111 - and report it. If they are in
a vehicle, write down the number
plate and a description of the
vehicle.
Call the Neighbourhood
Support Office on 349-9470 if
you have any queries. Remember
where there is a Neighbourhood
Support Group established there
is a network there to support
each member.
25% off 1 pair
for over 60s
when purchasing from the $169 range or above
Rotorua: 1211 Eruera St, 349 2020.
specsavers.co.nz
When you select 1 pair of glasses from the $169 range or above. Cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer. Frames available while stocks last. Price correct at time
of print. © 2017 Specsavers Optical Group.
69 Lake road, Ohinemutu, Rotorua
Fax: 07 349 6622 | Phone: 07 349 6633
Email: daybreakcare@xtra.co.nz
4 Rotorua greypower News – November 2017