Papatoetoe Neighbourhood Support 

ANSWERING YOUR DOOR

 

When a stranger – male or female – comes to your front door, you need to be able to keep yourself safe. If you are alone you can create the impression that someone else is present by shouting out that you will answer the door. Here are some tips from the New Zealand police, using the DOORSTEP method.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should not compromise your safety by opening the door to strangers or allowing them inside, unless you have established that it is safe to do so.  If you have advertised an item for sale and have arranged for a stranger to view it, a good idea could be having a friend or relative present in your home to support you.

 

 

DOORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Install reliable security screen doors on main external entrances

• Main door should a wide angle peep hole or interview grille and a ‘securi-chain’ safety chain

• Door hinges should be mounted so that pins cannot be removed

• Fit deadlocks on all external doors

• When moving into your home or apartment, install new locks (or have them rekeyed) on entrance doors

• Never open your door automatically to anyone who knocks or rings

• Never indicate you are alone. Shout out pretending someone else is at home

• Never leave notes to indicate your absence

• Always take your door key with you, do not hide it

• Never put your name and address on your key ring

 

 

WINDOWS/RANCHSLIDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Fit window locks to all windows

• Fit security bolts on ranchsliders

• Locks should be of a type that cannot be opened if glass is broken

• Blinds and drapes should be closed at night. It should never be apparent to anyone on the street that you are alone

• Fit security stays on both sides of you window

• Close windows when out even if the windows have security stays

 

 

 

ALARM SYSTEMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Consider fitting modern alarm system. A survey from a reputable security company, a member of NZSIA, is obligation free and costs nothing

• Test your alarm regularly

• Provide a trusted neighbour, street coordinator or alarm company with keys to your home and alarm to enable investigation by Police if your home is entered by thieves or vandals

 

 

 

 

Saftey in your yard 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Cut back shrubs and bushes near windows and doors. They are perfect hiding places for intending house breakers

• Lock all garage doors and windows at night

• Don’t leave keys in hiding places

• Ladders and tools, useful for gaining entry, should be locked inside your garage

• Ladders and tools, useful for gaining entry, should be locked inside your garage

  Padlock outdoor sheds · Be observant of people or vehicles lingering near your residence as suggested in most Neighbourhood Support Programmes

• If your residence appears to have been burglarised or you disturb intruders, summon Police assistance. 

• Never enter the premises alone

• Consider growing a thorny hedge/roses on boundary fences

• A gate at the entrance to your driveway will stop unwelcome vehicles entering

• Advertise with signs/stickers Neighbourhood Support/alarms/dogs

• Padlock your letterbox

 

 

 

HOLIDAYS/GENERAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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