Keeping property and lives safe over the holiday season

SADLY, the Christmas-New Year holiday season can be a time for opportunistic thieves.

Heathcote Police are urging residents living in town or on rural properties to be vigilant, especially if they are going away.

Homes, cars and other vehicles should be locked, and valuables and firearms need to be secured.

Victoria Police advises residents to lock all doors including internal and external garage doors, windows, gates, sheds, pet doors, skylights and any other access points.

Mailboxes should be locked and spare keys should not be hidden outside the home.

Leave out a dog bowl or lead, even if you do not have a dog.

If going away, sensor lighting, cameras and monitored alarm systems can deter unwanted visitors.

There are several ways residents can try to make it look like someone is home when they are away or out.

Newspaper subscriptions should be cancelled.

Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to collect mail, take out and bring in rubbish bins and occasionally park their cars in your driveway.

Ensure lawns and gardens are maintained.

Timers can be set to turn on lights, the radio and/or television at appropriate times. Never advertise holiday plans online.

With increased traffic on the roads, travellers are urged to be extra careful.

“After attending a few collisions lately, I’d like to see drivers take care on our roads,” Sergeant Holly Lembke said.

“I want everyone to be with their loved ones this Christmas.

“I would like to thank the community for their ongoing support, particularly around the time of the Porepunkah incident.

“Heathcote is by far my favourite place to work.”