Coober Pedy residents and businesses urged to review security measures

Many offences can be prevented by ensuring homes and businesses are properly secured. Opportunistic offenders often target properties where doors, windows, gates, sheds or vehicles have been left unlocked, making it easy to gain entry.

Residents are encouraged to Protect What Matters by reviewing their home security and considering the following crime prevention measures:

• Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted to all doors and windows.
• Always lock doors and windows, even when leaving home for short periods or overnight.
• Secure gates, garages and sheds when not in use.
• Keep house keys, car keys and garage remotes in a safe location and out of plain sight.
• Install security alarms, sensor lighting or CCTV where possible.
• Avoid leaving valuables in obvious places where they can be seen from outside.

Business owners are also reminded to review their security measures and take steps to reduce opportunities for theft.

Police encourage businesses to:

• Install and use a secure safe.
• Remove cash from registers overnight and minimise the amount of cash kept on site.
• Ensure all door and window locks are secure and in good working order.
• Consider installing alarm systems and CCTV coverage.
• Maintain good lighting around business premises and entry points.
• Remove and securely store business vehicle keys to prevent vehicle theft in the event of a break-in.

Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour around homes, vehicles or businesses as it is occurring by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Further home and business security advice is available at SAPOL - Crime prevention and security

It's your town, look out for it.