Staying safe: burglary

Locks, lights, and lines of sight

• Fit secure locks and fastenings on doors and windows; use security stays on ground-floor windows.
• Shut and lock every window and door when you go out — including ranch-sliders and bathroom windows.
• Lock sheds and garages. Put ladders and tools away so they cannot be used to reach upper windows.
• Light entranceways well; use sensor lights and leave them on.
• Trim trees and hedges so people can see who is coming and going. Keep fences and gates secure.
• Do not hide spare keys outside. Keep them in a safe place inside.

When you are away or out the back

• Burglars may enter while you are in the garden or garage — lock the front door even then.
• Put mail and deliveries on hold, or ask a neighbour to collect them so they do not pile up.
• Use timers for lights (and a radio if useful) so the house looks occupied at night.
• Tell a trusted neighbour you will be away. Ask them to park in the drive or open/close curtains if they can.
• If you have an alarm, tell the monitoring company you are away.

Design and neighbourhood (CPTED)

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): maximise visibility, manage access, show clear ownership of your property, and keep the place tidy and cared-for.
• Make private vs public space obvious with fencing, planting, or markers so strangers feel conspicuous cutting through.
• Clear litter and graffiti quickly — neglected spaces can invite more crime.
• Join or start a Neighbourhood Support group, or ask about Community Patrols in your area.
• If you have CCTV, register it with Community Cam so Police can contact you after nearby crime without door-knocking every house.

If a burglary happens

• Call 111 if a crime is happening or someone may still be on the property.
• If it has already happened, report via 105 or 105.police.govt.nz — do not disturb the scene if you can avoid it.
• List what was taken with serial numbers and photos for Police and insurance.
• Victim Support can help with the emotional and practical aftermath — 0800 842 846.

New Zealand resources

• Neighbourhood Support — protecting your homeLocks, lights, lines of sight checklist
• Neighbourhood Support — CPTED guideDesign your property and street to reduce opportunity
• Neighbourhood Support — tips and advice hub
• Join Neighbourhood Support0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
• Community Cam — register your CCTVConfidential register used by NZ Police
• Community Cam — how it works
• Community Patrols of New ZealandVolunteer patrols working with Police
• NZ Police — keeping yourself safe at home
• NZ Police — home safety checklistFree personalised tips by email
• NZ Police — rural crime preventionIf you live rurally

Community organisations

Local groups that work with Police to build safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

• NZ Police — keeping safeHome, out and about, and property advice
• Crimestoppers0800 555 111 — report crime anonymously