By RBG — Police are urging households to be vigilant as we head into a sticky warm summer.

Hamilton Police have been frustrated by the number of ‘open’ homes burgled by opportunists. Their message is: buying a fan or air conditioning unit may be cheaper than having your household goods stolen because you left your home unsecured.

Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay said over the past week there had been about 59 residential burglaries across the City. Of particular concern for his staff was the number of homes where burglars had gained entry via open doors and windows.

“With the increased temperatures people obviously want to cool their house down, and therefore open doors and windows to improve airflow. That makes sense, but unfortunately it also makes an inviting attraction to opportunist thieves to dart in and steal your property, even when you’re home. In one incident on Monday a woman was in the shower when a burglar snuck in and stole the television off the wall.”

Two schools and a play-centre in the area were also burgled, and Police ask boards of trustees to consider arranging for school staff to take valuable electronic items home for safekeeping over the holiday period.

Inspector Lindsay said while people should feel safe in their homes, the reality is that unless you have appropriate locks and safety grills or latches on windows, your home is no longer your castle – it was more like a convenience store for thieves.
 

Written by Davina William, RBG News