One Alexandra resident has been burgled for the second time in a month, and commentary on social media says crime is on the rise in the town, despite Police saying otherwise. 

Judy Lane announced on social media her home had been burgled for the second time recently, with the latest occurring as she left home for the day. 

Commentary on her post featured many locals saying they believe Alexandra is no longer the town it was.  

Judy Lane took to social media to warn locals of crime after her Ventry St home was burgled twice in a month. 

Central Otago Police Senior Sergeant Clinton Wright disagrees, and says there has not been a rise in crime in Alexandra. 

“The burglaries that are mentioned at the Ventry Street address; the items targeted were electronic items such as a Lenovo Chromebook, an electric roll up drum kit, USB MIDI with built-in speakers and a laptop. 

“Police are currently investigating these matters and would like to hear from anyone who may have information as to who is responsible. 

“There has not been a spike in crime in Alexandra, there are higher demand times around holiday periods where some addresses can be targeted due to houses being unoccupied and or opportunists who will steal items due to lack of security.”

Online Police data shows a variety of statistics, but it shows crime has not increased in the last five years. 

According to Police data, the most dangerous time for offences carried out in Central Otago is Sunday morning between midnight and 3am. 

However, the heavy times in the data show between 10am and 7pm as busy times for crimes. 

Between July 1 2014, and December 31 2020, a total of 20,058 crimes have been committed in Central Otago, with the most committed crime being “thefts and related offences” which numbered 18,586. 

Victimisation data courtesy New Zealand Police. 

Clint had some general burglary prevention, and says Police would like to remind members of the public to ensure their homes and vehicles are secure.

“We can see an increase in burglaries, thefts and dishonesty offences from residential properties over the summer months,” he says. 

“However, there are a number of simple measures you can take to make your home and vehicle less appealing to burglars.

“Doors and windows left open provide a perfect opportunity for thieves to snatch items without being detected.

“Even if you're at home make sure your phone, wallet, keys, cash and other valuables are secure and out of sight.

“If you're working in the garden or away from your front door, make sure your home is secure.

“Also make sure you keep valuable items away from windows where they can be easily seen by passers-by.

“We also urge motorists to ensure their vehicles are locked as we begin to travel more frequently to and from work.”

Home security to deter burglars:

• Lock your doors and windows.
• Record the serial numbers of expensive electronic items and photograph these and other valuables, email images to you home email for vault storage.
• Keep valuables out of sight, i.e.
• jewellery, cameras and electronic games.
• Install an alarm system, get sensor lights fitted.
• Keep garden sheds and garages locked when not in use.
• Keep hedges or plants around doors and windows well-trimmed, don’t give the burglar a place to hide.
• Stop your mail and paper if you are going away or arrange for someone to collect it.
• Keep the house secure when you are out in the garden or yard.
• Note down registrations of any suspicious vehicles, often burglars will scope out the place beforehand.
• Join or form a neighbourhood support group.

Going on holiday:

• Make arrangements for your mail and newspaper to be stopped or collected by a friend or neighbour.
• Hide valuable items, financial documents and spare keys to vehicles.
• Lock your garages and any sheds.
• Set timer switches on lights and/or radios.
• Don’t mention on your voicemail you will be away from home for a few days.
• Be aware that burglars have access to social media.
• If you are going away don’t post this publically on your social media.
• Get a neighbour or friend to make regulars checks on the property.  They can even close curtains in the evening and turn lights on to give the appearance that someone is home.

Unwanted visitors:

• Always be on your guard when anyone you're not expecting turns up at your door.
• Genuine callers will normally make appointments first and will carry identification with their photograph on it, they wil not ask for money up front.
• Be wary of people calling up stating they are from the bank asking for your personal details such as account numbers, full names, address, passwords or PIN numbers etc…if it sounds unusual it will be.

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