A former burglar has shared his top tips to deter thieves from robbing your place amid warnings for holidaymakers to be "security-minded" over the festive season.
AA Insurance reported a 35% increase in the total value of property stolen in break-ins between December 2021 and March 2022 and the same period the following year, and has issued a fresh warning for Kiwis to secure their homes properly during this spike period.
Now retired from a career in crime, reformed burglar Adrian Pritchard said people get “really complacent” around this time of year.
"I walked straight past this property, and they had the curtains wide open... the flashing lights on the Christmas tree and I could see their presents under the Christmas tree. I thought straightaway there’s an opportunity right there if you’re in that mindset, and I don’t think anyone was home.
"Things like that are just stupid," he said.
The AA Insurance survey also found one in nine Kiwis don’t lock their doors when they leave their homes, and one in five leave house keys in insecure places such as pot plants and under doormats.
Pritchard said this was a common mistake, alongside leaving curtains open, lights on, and hiding spare keys in the wrong spots or simply in the back door.
"Get the key out and hide it somewhere, don’t hide it up the front mat, anything around the front door people always pick up and have a look," Pritchard said.
"You don’t know who’s actually watching."
Pritchard stressed that deterrents are the best way to keep your house safe, with things such as a "burglars beware" sign, sensors on the house, deadlocks on doors and cameras.
“I’ve got sensors up in the corner of the house... I’ve got real good cameras and they’re extremely powerful as they deter you before you even get on the property.
"You have to be security-minded. You need cameras... as cameras can identify the person, you can get sensors on the cameras."
He also emphasised the importance of deadlocks on doors and windows.
"I used to be a real bad burglar back in the day and now I want to help shopowners, businesses and the community to be more security-minded and give back."
Head of home claims at AA Insurance Tom Bartlett said thieves can strike regardless of whether people were away for the entire holidays or just out for the day.
"We know the financial impact of having your home burgled is just part of the ordeal... home invasions can be distressing and downright scary... so we want to remind all Kiwis to take extra care to secure their homes this summer," Bartlett said.
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