Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

The two teenage hunters initially thought they'd spotted poachers

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Two teenage boys hunting for pigs on their granddad’s remote Waikato farm came across the missing Phillips family a week ago. In an interview with Tony Wall, they reveal what one of the kids really said.

The 16-year-old friends were near a trig station on the coastal farm, about 4km north of Marokopa, waiting for pigs to come out of the bush.

Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.

Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?

Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?

• Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
• No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
• Other - I'll share below

Vote View Results

• 43.2% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
  43.2% Complete
• 56.2% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
  56.2% Complete
• 0.6% Other - I'll share below
  0.6% Complete

1147 votes