Keep your belongings safe

The New Zealand Police have great advice about keeping yourself and your property safe.

Protect your property and belongings — New Zealand Police

Securing your belongings and property

• Lock your doors, windows, sheds and garages with good quality locks.
• Install security stays on your windows that restrict how far the window can open.
• Always lock your car, bicycle or other vehicles.
• Keep valuables out of sight — if it can be seen, it can become a target.

Keep evidence of ownership

• Keep receipts, warranties and serial numbers in a safe place. 
• Take photos or videos of jewellery, art or other precious items.
• Engrave your tools with your driver licence number, that way if they are found, they can be easily returned to you.

Get to know your neighbours

Get to know your neighbours, when someone is away bring in their mail, park in their driveway.

Lost property

If you have lost some property, you can report it online.

Lost property advice — New Zealand Police

Staying safe at home

• Do not answer the door for someone you do not know.
• If they say they’re from a company, ask for identification.
• If you’re outside for an extended time, for example in the garden, lock your front door.

Keeping yourself safe at home — New Zealand Police

Keeping your home safe while you’re away

Make it look like someone is home:

• put timers on your lights
• leave a car in your driveway
• get someone to mow your lawn
• hold your mail or have a neighbour collect it
• keep curtains open
• do not tidy up too much.

Social media

Be careful about publicly posting about your holiday before you go and while you’re away. You can always post about your trip on social media after you get back. 

Have someone check on your home

Tell a trusted neighbour, friend or family member that you’re going away and for how long. Have someone look in on the place and take care of any emergencies, such as plumbing leaks or a smoke alarm that keeps going off.

If you do not need to leave a spare key out for someone, consider moving it inside or somewhere secure while you’re away.

Keeping your home safe while you are away — Neighbourhood Support New Zealand