Katherine Police are offering to keep an eye on resident’s homes over Christmas while they are away.
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The confidential Absentee Owner Advice form provides police with contact information and dates which residents are away.
While the increased security is available year round, Christmas is the busiest time of year, according to Katherine Police Commander Michael Hebb.
“In addition to day to day policing the registered houses will be monitored,” Commander Hebb said.
“If there are any issues police can get in contact with residents, while also providing an increased police presence around the premises,” he said.
Commander Hebb said Katherine Police will maintain their presence over Christmas to manage the spike in crime usually seen over the period.
“There will be a heightened focus over Christmas because we know that school has finished. We will have sufficient resources in the community in addition to police at bottle shops,” Commander Hebb said.
“This year, there will be more engagement with agencies that can support issues as they arise in the community,” he said.
While registering your absence over Christmas is a step in the right direction in securing a premises, additional steps should be taken as well.
“Maintaining and reviewing your home or business security is important to beat opportunistic thieves,” Commander Hebb said.
“Anecdotally, a number of our offences are committed by people who take an opportunity where a window may not have been secured, a door may not have been locked or keys have been left in sight.
“It is about reducing the opportunity,” he said.
Residents can opt-in to have their homes monitored by filling out the Absentee Owner Advice form at Katherine Police on the Stuart Highway.
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