Rural properties are easy targets for thieves. Here are some points to consider:
- Criminals like easy pickings so don't make it easy for them.
- Avoid leaving "starter kits" for young criminals. These are items like chainsaws and mowers that can be easily taken and traded for dope with gangs. This is the start of a criminal career according to ex-crims.
- They survey properties from afar before approaching, so be aware of strange vehicles parked within sight of your place.
- They like to drive in to see what security systems you have e.g. Alarms on the wall and the state of doors and windows.
- Criminals don't like walking as they may be more easily seen. So a locked gate (with a good quality big lock) is the first defence, despite it being inconvenient for you. Ensure the gate cannot be lifted off its hinges (reverse the top gudgeon).
- Record the vehicle numbers of anyone coming to your property with weak excuses e.g. Looking for a named person, or a lost dog. Keep your digital camera handy and photograph them leaving - without them seeing.
- An electronic gate with codes for approved users is a more expensive but very effective alternative.
- An electronic gate sensor on an open gate to is another option to let you know when you have company.
- So many people are burgled when they are home e.g. when mowing lawns. Lock your door when in the garden or out on the property.
- Have an alarm on the house and sheds. Even if you are a long way from town, the criminals will not know how long they have to operate before help arrives. But remember they may do a test run first and come back later.
- Be concerned if they go through the house and take nothing. They could be coming back, especially if they took your spare set of keys clearly named on an obvious hook in the kitchen. Hide spare keys.
- Criminals don't like barking dogs, but be careful and comply with the Dog Control Act regarding the containment of the animal. You don't want your visiting friends terrified or eaten!
- Arrange an effective neighbourhood watch system with those around you. Letting neighbours know when you are away is so important so they can notice anything odd.
Have a "telephone tree" system of calling neighbours to alert others if there are problems.- Plant trees so there is a visual gap between neighbours and keep checking that it remains clear as trees grow.
- If your neighbour's alarm goes off, visit them in a vehicle and not on foot, as you don't want to be confronted with a criminal with unpredictable behaviour, and probably drugged.
- Make a record (list, photos and video) of as much of your house contents and farm gear as possible - certainly the big and valuable items.
- Things like chemicals, weed sprays, animal health remedies and oil can only be locked in secure cupboards bolted to the wall or ground. Use a big expensive lock.
- Try to limit how much fuel you keep on the farm as thieves can always find some way to cut pipes even if the fillers are locked.
- Keep receipts for everything of value purchased. Insurance agencies require this for claims.
- Mark (engrave) all items with your name or phone number. Make it obvious wherever possible.
- Guns. These are major concerns so make sure you comply with the law regarding licensing and storage.
- Don't leave keys in vehicles and bikes at night or when you go out.
- Lock all doors and windows when you go out. Often this is only a minor deterrent as they are easily broken.
- Never leave keys in the lock inside the house. Deadlocks are a good idea so thieves cannot get doors open to remove large items.
- Don't leave garden tools like spades and axes, and especially ladders around the outside of the house when you are not there.
- Keep an eye out for tracks on your farm not made by you. Keep boundary gates locked and top gudgeons reversed.
- Be especially vigilant if you have bush areas or maize crops bounding your property, as they are havens for growing dope.
- If you suspect dope-growing going on, don't go in there as there may be booby traps. Report your suspicion to the police.
- Tell the police if you are burgled, as even if they cannot do much, it all adds to their information database.
- Don't put your name on the gate or letterbox as criminals look you up in the phone book to see if you are home.
- Don't say on your recorded message "sorry we are out" as that's an invitation to be visited! Say that you are "unavailable" or "cannot come to the phone".
- Be careful when you encounter criminals, as they have little to lose and clearly no respect for you or your property. They may be on drugs and have weapons, so talk quietly to them, move slowly and allow them an escape route.
