Oly: Theft likely to increase during the Games

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2000
Oly: Theft likely to increase during the Games

SYDNEY, Aug 15 AAP - Insurance and motoring group NRMA is predicting an increase in
theft during the Olympic Games.

The insurance group has warned residents from regional areas travelling to the Games
to be extra careful when securing their homes.

The news comes after the New South Wales Police Service announced last month that 34
per cent of staff in regional areas would be temporarily stationed in Sydney during the
Olympic period.

NRMA Insurance Theft Control Manager Jenny Davidson said that major events, such as
the Olympics and school holidays was likely to result in a marked rise in theft, as intruders
capitalise on empty homes.

"NRMA research shows more than 80 percent of break-ins occur when people are away from
their homes, with school holiday periods notorious for high levels of break-ins," Ms Davidson
said.

"As the Olympic Games coincides with the school break, residents should make home security
a priority now."

She said that residents from regional areas such as Newcastle, Wollongong, Central
West and Canberra, who were travelling to the Games, would be left vulnerable to theft
if they did not properly secure their homes.

However, a NSW police spokesperson declined to comment on the NRMA findings. But in
a statement issued last month, Commissioner Peter Ryan said that country policing would
not be compromised during the Olympic period despite the staff relocation.

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KEYWORD: OLY THEFT

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