Crime Prevention & Community Safety

Securing your home

Lock Up

• Lock all windows and doors, even when you're at home.
• Unlocked side and rear doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars
• Install deadlocks on all external doors and windows - remember to disengage deadlocks when you are inside to allow easy escape in the event of a fire
• Install a security screen door
• Lock your mailbox to prevent the theft of mail and personal documents
• Keep garden tools and ladders locked away. Your tools may be used by thieves during a burglary to gain entry to your home
• Keep garages and sheds locked

Other Actions

• Get to know your neighbours. They may recognise unusual activity when you're out
• Bring in your bins and collect mail regularly so your home looks lived in. Ask a neighbour to bring your bin in if you are away for a while
• Make sure your house is visible from the street so passersby and neighbours can detect suspicious activity
• Cut overhanging branches and trim shrubs back from your house to make it harder for burglars to hide
• Place packaging from newly purchased expensive items in the recycling bin - leaving boxes on the nature strip lets burglars know what you have inside
• Consider having a dog
• Install sensor lighting
• Install a monitored alarm system
• Check the details of any salesperson or workman that comes to your door. Report any suspicious activity to your local police
• Consider installing a safe to store valuables
• Backup computer hard drives
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch and be an active part of crime prevention in your community

Key Crime Prevention Tips

• Lock all doors and windows
• Appearance: Make it look like someone is home when you're out
• Detect: Make it harder for burglars to get in without being seen
• Secure valuables in a safe or hidden place

Key Security

• Only leave spare keys with a trusted neighbour.
• Never hide them on your property.
• Keep all spare keys or car keys in a secure place - car keys may be stolen in a burglary and used for car theft.

Mark Valuable Property

• Use an engraver or ultra-violet marker to identify your property. Marked property is harder to sell and easier to return if located.
• Mark with 'V' followed by your drivers licence number. i.e. V123456.
• Photograph valuables and record details on a property inventory form.

For more information about home security read the Residential Crime Prevention Information Kit (PDF) and the applicable Preventing Burglaries from Homes Fact Sheet (PDF).