Tasmanians are reminded to secure their homes at Easter to help ensure they’re not ‘easy targets’ for criminals.

Detective Inspector Ian Whish-Wilson said that burglary is a largely opportunistic crime.

“Ultimately burglary is an opportunistic crime which occurs when ‘easy targets’ exist such as unlocked or unsecured property. Property owners can deter those crimes from occurring,” Det-Inspector Whish-Wilson said.

“Last Easter period, there were 25 home burglaries in the Southern District, which

represented a 36% increase over the year’s average of 3.2 per day.

“In the Northern District, 10 home burglaries over that 5 day period were recorded, which represented a 33% increase over the year’s average of 1.5 per day.

“In the Western District, 6 burglaries were recorded last Easter, which was an average of 1.2 burglaries per day.”

“We know that more than 20% of homes and 50% of cars that are burgled are unsecured. People need to take steps to secure their property so they reduce their risk of being targeted,” Det-Inspector Whish-Wilson said.

People can take steps to secure their property:

• Lock all windows and doors, even when you’re at home.
• Keep sheds and garages locked.
• Store gardening equipment and tools in a secure location.
• Install a security alarm.
• Install motion sensor lights to the exterior of your property.
• Leave spare keys with your neighbours or friends. Don’t hide them outside.
• Leave a light on inside, if you’re out at night.
• Leave a radio or TV on, so that your home sounds occupied when you’re out.
• Keep perimeter trees/shrubs trimmed.
• Don’t leave packaging outside for refuse collection.

Tasmania Police will be actively patrolling suburban areas and targeting known offenders during the Easter period.

If you’re the victim of a burglary, contact police on 131444.  If you see any suspicious activity, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.