Police visited Fairfield properties yesterday, handing out crime prevention advice following an outbreak of burglaries in the suburb.
One resident told the Otago Daily Times they discovered six of their aluminium windows and sliding doors had been dented.
''We didn't know anyone had been inside until the police came here and we realised a laptop had been stolen.''
Three cars were parked in the driveway on the night of the burglary, so the intruders were obviously not too worried about whether people were home, the resident said.
The house was one of 20 properties targeted in Fairfield and Kaikorai Valley, the thieves using the same modus operandi.
The intruder forced an aluminium door or window, probably with a screwdriver, Sergeant James Ure said.
The door or window was closed on their departure, he said.
It was believed properties were targeted mainly at night.
The occupants were often unaware they had been burgled until later, when they discovered items had been removed.
Stolen items included jewellery, cash and electronic equipment.
Sgt Ure said marks would be visible on aluminium frames if they had been forced, and it was possible more burglaries had gone unreported.
He urged residents to keep an eye on their neighbours' property and ring 111 immediately to report any suspicious behaviour.
Burglary prevention advice
• Lock your doors and windows.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Record serial numbers of expensive electronic equipment.
• Photograph valuables.
• Invest in an alarm or get sensor lights fitted.
• Keep garden sheds, garages locked.
• Store ladders out of sight.
• Note registrations of suspicious vehicles.
• Join a Neighbourhood Support Group.
Source: New Zealand Police
