In the past 2 weeks there were 25 burglaries in Hamilton East and adjoining rural areas.
As shown on the map, several house break-ins occurred in areas near of Silverdale, Old Farm Rd and Naylor Street,
Interestingly, 17 break-ins occurred between Friday and Monday which indicates that the majority happen over the long weekend period.
So if you do go away over the weekend, and the house is vacant please make sure you lock it.
Another matter of interest is items disappearing from your garages or outside sheds, such as tools, lawn mowers and pushbikes. Of course offender(s) are still targeting items such as laptops, digital cameras, jewellery. These items are swapped for cash which is then easily transferable, usually for drugs.
Home security advice is available from the East Hamilton Community Policing Centre on Clyde St.
As a minimum precaution Police recommend recording the serial numbers of valuable appliances and storing them as part of Operation SNAP (Serial Number Action Project) a nationwide crime prevention initiative accessible via www.SNAP.org.nz
Recording serial numbers enables Police to identify recovered goods and return them to their rightful owners, if officers have no way of identifying goods as stolen they often have to be returned to the burglar.

Circumstances of a Burglary:
The occupant left their window ajar and went for run, while their flatmates were at home. When then victim returned they saw their window wide open and someone had entered. The offender(s) had taken the laptop from around the bed and left the house quietly without the flatmates hearing anything.

Question from the Police:
How often do you leave your flat open / unlocked and have items stolen. If so, please communicate with your flatmates and establish who it taking care of the flat while you are away and locking the doors and windows.

If you have any information that might help Police resolve offences burglaries please call the University Constable, Nick Sickelmore on 8582792 or e-mail Nicholas.Sickelmore@police.govt.nz