Police urge residents to secure homes and vehicles

While responsibility for these offences rests solely with offenders, police are encouraging residents to take practical steps that may help reduce opportunities for theft and assist in protecting their property.

Police are reminding residents to Protect What Matters by reviewing their home security and adopting simple measures that can help deter opportunistic thieves.

Police recommend the following measures to help improve home security:

• Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted to all doors and windows.
• Lock all doors and windows, gates, garages and sheds when not in use.
• Keep house keys, car keys and garage remotes in a secure location and out of plain sight.
• Consider installing a home alarm system.
• Avoid leaving valuables in obvious locations.

To help improve vehicle security, police recommend:

• Remove tools and other valuable items from vehicles whenever possible, particularly overnight.
• Park vehicles in a secure garage or well-lit area where available.
• Consider installing vehicle alarms or additional security devices.
• Always lock vehicles, even when unattended for a short period.
• Consider marking or engraving tools and equipment with a driver's licence number or business name. Marked items are often easier to identify and return if recovered.
• Take photographs of valuable tools and record serial numbers where possible.
• Avoid leaving tools, equipment or valuables visible inside vehicles.

Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour, particularly around homes, businesses and parked vehicles, by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 to assist police in responding promptly.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.

For more information about improving home and vehicle security, visit SAPOL - Crime prevention and security