The NSW Police Force is encouraging victims of theft to report incidents to their local police station promptly.
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"When reporting a crime, remember to record details of the offence, a description of offenders, the direction of which the offenders are headed, any witness details and vehicle registration and description," a spokesperson for the NSW Police said.
Edith Cowan University Criminology and Psychology researcher Dr Natalie Gately spoke to 120 active adult and juvenile burglars and accumulated a list of information to help prepare and better equip residents to keep their homes safe from burglars this summer.
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Dr Gately's five critical observations for vigilant householders to keep in mind are listed below:
- Burglars are opportunistic
"Some burglars may not be planning a burglary. They may just pass a house and see something that's easy and available for them to get, while others may be trawling the area looking for a suitable house to rob," Dr Gately said.
"Daring burglars may even take opportunities to come into your house if they see you're distracted, and there's something quick and easy for them to take, such as your car keys."
- Most burglaries are quick affairs, and that's how burglars like it
"Burglars are usually in and out of your home within 10 minutes, and empty homes and quiet streets are particularly inviting," Dr Gately said.
- Dogs frighten them
Dr Gately's research found the most significant deterrent for burglary is a dog, followed by alarms and security doors and windows. "Less than a third of Australian homes have any sort of security system installed," she said.
- Easy targets appeal
"Two-thirds of active burglars reported entering homes through open doors and windows. Always remember to lock up and get to know your neighbours," Dr Gately said.
- They are not easily fooled
"Most burglars can tell the difference between a house that's occupied and an attempt to disguise your absence, such as leaving the television on or a light on for hours."
Dr Gately said burglaries currently cost the country around $1.6 billion each year, however; "the emotional cost is impossible to measure." "Research has shown that intrusion into a person's private space causes significant psychological trauma in around 20 per cent of cases," she said.