Fraud Risks and Prevention Indicators

What to do...

If you see someone breaking into a neighbour's home, or unauthorised person in your neighbour's home, call the Police Emergency number 000 immediately.

Do not hesitate to call 000 (Australia only - in the United States of America ring 911) if you see any serious crime being committed.

If you see a suspicious vehicle in your neighbour's driveway, or parked outside their house, don't turn a blind eye. Telephone your neighbour to find out if they have visitors or are receiving a delivery.

If you can't contact your neighbour note the registration number and description of the vehicle and if necessary, telephone your local police.

Remember, criminals often use commercial vehicles to cloak their real activities.

If you have reason to believe that your home has been entered illegally during your absence, Don't enter the thief might still be there.

Use a neighbour's telephone to call police immediately. Keep watch on the house until police arrive.

If you hear a neighbour's burglar alarm sounding, telephone them to see if it is a false alarm. If nobody is at home, the chances are someone has attempted to break in, so call police immediately.

Similarly, if your neighbour's house is open and you know they are absent, call your local police.

If a stranger comes to your door, check their credentials, even if it means telephoning the organization they claim to be representing. If they are genuine, they won't mind waiting.

Never let a stranger into your home, unless you are certain of who they are. If you have suspicions, call your local police.

Be on the alert for any suspicious happenings a barking dog could mean that a prowler is about.

• Write it down.
• Suspicious Vehicles
• Registration number
• Make and Model
• Colour
• Peculiarities (eg, dents, rust, accessories such as roof racks, etc.)
• Suspicious Persons
• Sex
• Age
• Hair colour/style
• Height
• Build
• Peculiarities (eg, beard, moustache, tattoos, etc.)

Remember, a patrolling police officer may not recognise a stranger in your neighbourhood, or a vehicle that shouldn't be there, but you and your neighbours will.