Namaste, Salaam, Satsriakal and warm greetings to everyone. New Zealand Police would like to share crime prevention tips with you so that we can have safer communities together in 2020

Safety at home

There are many things you can do to help prevent your home being targeted, including:

• Storing cash, jewellery, spare keys and financial documents in a safe and secure place, such as a safe or in an area of your home which is not easily accessed.

• Registering the serial numbers of valuable possessions online via the SNAP website (www.snap.org.nz) to ensure they can be traced in the event that they are ever stolen and recovered.

• Install an alarm system and fit sensor lights.

• Call 111 if you see any suspicious activity around your neighbourhood.

• Keep your plants and hedges well-trimmed so you don’t give burglars a place to hide.

•Keep doors and windows locked at all times when you’re not home, and don’t leave your garage door open, even if you are at home.

• If you are going away for a long period get a neighbour or friend to regularly check on your property, clear your letterbox and mow your lawns.

• You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report information about crime anonymously.

Personal Safety

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your Instincts.

• Stay in well lit, populated pathways. Avoid Shortcuts.

• Pay attention to your surroundings when using electronics on the streets, subway and buses.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash and/or jewellery.

• When going out try and walk in pairs or a group. Avoid isolated areas

ATM (Automatic Teller Machines)

• Do not withdraw large amount of cash from ATM

• Use an ATM machine in a busy location

• At night use an ATM in a well lit area and ensure you are with other people.

• Do not leave your handbag, laptop or suitcase or any other belongings unattended.

• Walk upright, be aware and hold your handbag firmly. Look and act confidently.

• Consider keeping your Eftpos and credit cards, and keys separate from your handbag or wallet.

• Be wary of people who may be trying to distract you. If you are suspicious of their intentions, move your belongings into a position where it cannot be easily seized.

• Contact Police on 111 if you believe there is a threat to your personal safety or to your belongings. In non-emergency contact the nearest Police Station.

-Sergeant Gurpreet Arora, District Ethnic Services Coordinator, Counties Manukau.