RESIDENTS are urged to get to know their neighbours and to avoid posting travel details on social media if they are planning on leaving their homes for a holiday over the Easter period.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leading Senior Constable Janine Walker said there were a lot of simple measures residents could take to protect their homes.
“To determine how secure your home is, think like a burglar,” she said.
“From the outside of your home, consider how difficult it would be to break in.
“Carefully observe any items or objects in your yard that could offer assistance to a would-be thief.”
Leading Senior Constable Walker said people should be sure not to leave tools out that could be used to pry open a window and to make sure ladders were stored away.
She also said it was “extremely important” to get to know your neighbours so they could also help keep an eye on your home.
However, residents should not be publicising their travels on social media.
“Share the photos when you get back from holidays and make sure you have your privacy settings set correctly. By going public, you don’t know who is looking at your happy snaps,” she said.
“Think smart and stay safe this Easter holiday period.”
Leading Senior Constable Walker said more information and strategies could be found on the Neighbourhood Watch site www.nhwballarat.org
She said a Residential Information Kit was available on the site which provided a wide variety of information for residents. Suspicious behaviour can be reported by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.