Looters...
Property crime and burglaries tend to peak in the summer holidays. This year there are reports from Lyttelton of groups of looters targetting red stickered houses.
If you own a red stickered property or live near one keep an eye out for strangers or strange cars near the property;
- Don't be afraid to ask people what they are doing there.
- If you seen suspicious activity take a photo - camera phones are useful for this.
- Record any relevant car registration details.
- Ring the police on 111.
If you are considering looting, ask yourself whether it's worth dying or going to jail for some stuff the property owner couldn't be bothered recovering;
- Remember that most residents have had over six months to clear their possessions - there's really not much left in most red stickered houses.
- Be aware that the courts are not sympathetic to those caught looting. Looters usually end up spending time in jail.
- Remember that red stickered houses are dangerous - that's why they are red stickered. Some are so dangerous the engineers (the people who know what they are doing) aren't prepared to go onto the property at all.