Home security is key

With Christmas goodies still shiny and new, and all those boxes in the recycling bin, Victoria Police have put out a notice to keep your property secure from opportunistic thieves.

According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC), the top four most common mistakes made by homeowners, and exploited by thieves, are leaving windows open, leaving valuables in view, leaving keys by doorways, and leaving parcels or mail out.

The NMVTRC also discourages social media posts showing you’re on holiday, as some thieves ‘scope out’ social media and break in when they know homes are unoccupied.

But there are some simple ways you can minimise the risks – Victoria Police recommend always keeping windows and doors locked, and storing keys and valuables out of sight.

If you have an alarm system, cameras or sensor lights, you should also check they’re in working order.

Don’t be an easy target, ever.