NORTHAM Police say they are disappointed people are still not heeding the lock up message as volume crime offences such as burglary, stealing and damage continue to be a problem in town.
Senior Sergeant Geoff Dickson said people need to help themselves, expressing concerns over members of the public who continue to show disregard for their belongings and personal safety.
“If you don’t lock up - no matter where you live, you are kidding yourself,” Snr Sgt Dickson said.
“No one or nowhere is immune from crime, it happens and it is a reality.
"The concept of, it won’t happen to me is a fallacy.”
“But you have to help us - there are offenders in this community who show contempt for the basic rules of society, that your house is your castle and that you should be entitled to peace and safety.”
In response to a spike in crime, extra police from the Wheatbelt Police District have been brought into Northam in an effort to drive down crime.
The increase in police numbers is significant and it includes officers conducting foot and vehicle patrols 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Despite this, Snr Sgt Dickson said people should not be complacent, expressing his frustration at the number of doors, cars and sheds which continue to be unlocked, allowing easy access for criminals.
Portable items such as iPads and phones remain the items of interest for opportunistic thieves.
By locking your home or vehicle, Snr Sgt Dickson said it takes the intruder longer to get inside, increases the chance of DNA being left at the scene, and also allows a greater chance of neighbours or passers-by hearing or seeing something.
Snr Sgt Dickson said criminals are using tactics to commit their crimes, such as distracting homeowners at the front of homes and then coming around the back to gain entry.
“If you are leaving your doors unlocked you are giving your property away - if you are locking up you are giving yourself and police, a chance,” Snr Sgt Dickson said.
The extra police numbers within Northam had immediate effect, with the arrest of a juvenile male last Friday, caught red-handed by police after breaking into a local property.