Senior Sergeant Rob Read made the request after a letter to the editor (in last week’s edition of the Courier) asked why the onus was on innocent people to “not put temptation in criminals’ way” so they did not steal.
“Unfortunately times have changed,” Sen Sgt Read said.
“Open cars and houses are soft targets for thieves who would prefer to simply be able to go through an open door or window than have to smash a window and make noise that could lead to them being captured at the scene.
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READ NOW“Being able to go in through an open door or window also lessens investigative opportunities for police.”
Sen Sgt Read said there was a trend of burglaries through unlocked doors and windows.
“It is open to conjecture whether an offence would have occurred if they had been locked,” he said.
“However, evidence suggests that offenders will aim for easy targets and avoid harder, secure ones.
“So we continue to ask for the public’s help in reducing these easy or soft targets to make it tougher for crooks.”