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.

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% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
  43% Complete
• 56.4% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
  56.4% Complete
• 0.6% Other - I'll share below
  0.6% Complete

1181 votes

Attention Doggy Parents: Cost-effective Dog Walks Are Now Available!

Shaun from WellyWags Dog Walkers

Would you like your dog to get more exercise during the week while you're at work? We're a father-and-son team setting up a new pack for small and small-friendly medium-sized dogs, offering daily walks and exercise in large fully-fenced areas starting from mid-October. We're WCC-registered dog walkers, with prices starting at $20 for daily outings (including pick-up and drop-off to your home). This way, you can give your dog exercise every day without breaking the bank, unlike costly doggy day care.

We currently have spaces available in this pack (pictured). Our excursions last up to two hours (including travel time), making it a great way to alleviate dog boredom, keep them fit, socialise them, and provide toilet breaks if they're stuck indoors. For more information, please message me (Shaun) or phone/text Peter on 021 222 9448.

We aim to be the second-best part of your dog's day – the first being when you come home, of course! :)

Peter and Shaun, WellyWags