Covid-19 still has us in its grip, although in recent weeks, we have transitioned to the Level 3 steps that have allowed us to enjoy the company of more family and friends and welcomed the opening of retail spaces. The increased sunshine has also gone a long way in helping us feel better and more positive.
As with the last lockdowns, we have noticed a change in the incidents of crime reported to us. The most noticeable is a reduction in residential burglaries; with more people being home, it makes sense that this presents fewer opportunities for offenders. We have seen more offences being committed by offenders in circumstance that appear to be opportunist, both in the residential and commercial space.
In residential areas, prime targets are: vehicles left open while unloading, sitting unlocked, garage doors left open with the contents visible from the road, letterboxes left insecure, and courier packages left on front doorsteps visible from the street. (Remember to keep side doors to garages and doors that provide direct access to your home locked.)
These tips are equally relevant to protecting your commercial space.
Not taking simple crime prevention steps in respect of your business and employees will just present a golden opportunity for offenders to strike without any real risk of being caught. To make it harder for the offender means you are directly reducing the chance of you, your business and your team becoming victims of crime.
Locking premises, use of security lighting and security patrols are all critical. Ensure that external storage such as containers have high-grade purpose-specific locks and (if possible) such areas are not made higher risk due to their location. Tools and building equipment are still a “hot commodity”, so locking these away and, if possible, removing them from site when not in use will reduce the offenders’ opportunities. You know the value of tools and building materials so ensuring these are secured when the site is after hours is imperative.
Tradies and their vehicles continue to be targeted; lock your vehicle every time you leave it, no matter where you are. Obscuring what is inside is simple and effective. Losing wallets, cash, and phones from an unattended vehicle’s front seat or dashboard is not uncommon. Please remember that engraving tools or marking them in a way so that they are uniquely yours is a cheap and effective prevention opportunity. Please remember that engraving tools or marking them in such a way that they are uniquely yours is a cheap and effective prevention opportunity.
With the changes in Covid-19 Level 3 steps, we have seen a significant increase in traffic flows. Not all these people are travelling for legitimate reasons; this is another good reason for you, your team, and your neighbours at work (and home) to take simple steps to make your space safer and more secure.
Make sure that roller doors and external doors are secured if left unattended; locking them takes a few seconds whereas having an unwanted guest in your building could cause a significant loss to your business or team.
We wish you all a safe and happy festive season.
Remember that prevention material and advice is always available from Dave Loader (crimeprevention@businessnh.org.nz or 021 560 287) and the Business North Harbour team. If you see anything or anyone acting suspiciously, call 105 or 111 if you need immediate Police assistance.
Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham
Area Youth & Communities Manager
Waitemata East Area
021 191 4421
scott.cunningham@police.govt.nz
www.police.govt.nz
