A revamped crime prevention campaign called Outsmart the Offender is expected to help people take small steps to protect their homes and vehicles from theft.Buying their first home after a long search on a tight budget should have been an exciting and happy time for Georgia Wilson and her husband Lachlan.So to find their townhouse had been broken into during a routine pre-settlement inspection was "heartbreaking".
The stress has also exacerbated Mrs Wilson's condition, leading to a pseudo-flare and problems with movement along the left-hand side of her body.Mrs Wilson and her husband have been waiting for the damage to be fixed so they can finally move in to their new home.
She's not entirely sure how it all went down, but has been led to believe the offenders likely tail-gaited their way into the basement car park and then broke into a locksmith's vehicle, before using that equipment to break into her vehicle, too. It encourages Canberrans to secure vehicles and bikes with quality locks and alarms and keep doors and windows securely fastened, even while at home.
"It is opportunistic, it's normally a criminal that's looking for an easy way to make that theft," he said. Deputy Commissioner Lee encouraged people to take the "simple" steps, like taking valuables out of vehicles and keeping keys out of sight.Reports about property crime can be made online, with Deputy Commissioner Lee saying this portal was being increasingly well-used.