The Eastern Courier recently ran a security-oriented news piece that caught my eye. Entitled “Eastern thieves turn to disguises” it warns of burglars disguising themselves as tradesmen in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs.

BURGLARS are disguising themselves as tradesmen as house breakins spike across inner-eastern suburbs.

Thefts have doubled since the start of the year in Dulwich, Glenside, Frewville, Rose Park, Toorak Gardens and Glenunga, according to Eastern Adelaide Police.

(T)here have been several reports of thieves disguising themselves as tradesmen in brightly coloured vests and overalls to avoid suspicion.

The breakins have been occurring at all hours, with common items stolen include TVs, jewellery, handbags, credit cards and mobile phones.

This time last year I commented on crimes of opportunity during a recession and I see echoes of that in this report. I think the lesson to be learned is that security is about awareness; these burglars are acting like they belong where they are, and so they’re being treated like they belong where they are. Just because someone is wearing a high-vis vest that doesn’t mean he’s a tradie!

Stay safe,

Mark