The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also bring a rise in opportunistic crime. The Western Australia Police Force (WAPOL) recommends taking simple steps to secure your home, vehicle and belongings.
Lock all doors and windows, ideally with deadlocks and keyed window locks, and remove valuables such as phones, laptops and money from view. Use timers for lights and radios to make your home look occupied, cancel newspaper deliveries, and ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail while you’re away. Never hide spare keys around your house or in your car. Instead, give them to someone you trust. Keep garage doors closed and hide empty boxes from new purchases until bin day, as these can signal that valuables are inside.
Always lock your car, even for a short stop, and do not leave anything visible. Lock valuables in the boot or take them with you when you arrive at your destination. Park in well-lit, visible areas, and consider alarms, immobilisers, or steering wheel locks to protect your vehicle.
If you are camping or caravanning, secure your caravan or trailer with hitch locks, wheel clamps and alarms. Lock gas bottles, BBQs, fridges and bicycles. Get to know fellow campers and let the park manager or neighbours know if you will be away.
Avoid announcing holiday plans on social media and ensure your home contents insurance is up to date, with valuables photographed and insured.
Stay alert and keep an eye out for unusual activity. If you see anything suspicious, do not just post online. If you see anything suspicious or need to report an incident, contact police on 131 444. For emergencies, call 000.
Taking these steps can help you enjoy a safe, stress-free festive season.
Lock all doors and windows, ideally with deadlocks and keyed window locks, and remove valuables such as phones, laptops and money from view. Use timers for lights and radios to make your home look occupied, cancel newspaper deliveries, and ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail while you’re away. Never hide spare keys around your house or in your car. Instead, give them to someone you trust. Keep garage doors closed and hide empty boxes from new purchases until bin day, as these can signal that valuables are inside.
Always lock your car, even for a short stop, and do not leave anything visible. Lock valuables in the boot or take them with you when you arrive at your destination. Park in well-lit, visible areas, and consider alarms, immobilisers, or steering wheel locks to protect your vehicle.
If you are camping or caravanning, secure your caravan or trailer with hitch locks, wheel clamps and alarms. Lock gas bottles, BBQs, fridges and bicycles. Get to know fellow campers and let the park manager or neighbours know if you will be away.
Avoid announcing holiday plans on social media and ensure your home contents insurance is up to date, with valuables photographed and insured.
Stay alert and keep an eye out for unusual activity. If you see anything suspicious, do not just post online. If you see anything suspicious or need to report an incident, contact police on 131 444. For emergencies, call 000.
Taking these steps can help you enjoy a safe, stress-free festive season.