Home security habits

Your home is important.

Four simple ways to help keep it secure are by locking all doors and windows, installing a fence around your property, installing a doorbell camera or security camera and by keeping car keys out of sight.

Extra tips are here.

Doors and windows

• Lock external doors. This includes the door between your garage and house, which becomes an external door when your garage
  is open.
• Open doors and windows are a sign to thieves they can enter your home without forcing entry. Keep windows closed if you’re out, in the yard or in another part of the house.
• Keep your garage, shed and gates shut – and locked if possible.
• If you like opening doors and windows for ventilation, fit bars or security screens that comply with current Australian standards.
• Fit good quality, keyed locks on doors and windows.
• Remove valuables and keys or remotes and keep them out of sight, not in the hallway, bedside drawer or the kitchen counter.
• Keep cars locked, even in the driveway or garage.
• Keep bikes out of sight, in a shed, garage or inside the house. Secure with a quality U or D lock.

Outdoors

• Any fence, even a low fence or hedge around your property, acts as a physical barrier to intruders.
• Keep all sheds, garages, other outbuildings and any gates locked.
  If using a padlock, invest in a good quality, cut resistant lock. Consider installing bars or security screens on shed or garage windows.
• Put away garden tools, ladders and wheelie bins. They can help thieves enter your house.

Security cameras

• Consider installing a doorbell camera or security camera. These are widely available and reasonably priced.
• Battery powered cameras are quick and easy to install, with no drilling or wiring requirements.
• Wi-Fi wireless cameras can record events and provide real-time motion detection alerts to your mobile phone so you can see and talk to visitors.

Car keys

• Most newer vehicles can’t be started without the keyless remote, so offenders need these to steal your car.
• Keep vehicle keys or remotes out of sight. Obvious places thieves look are hallway tables, kitchen counters and key hooks, bedside tables and drawers.
• Instead of putting keys on the kitchen counter or hall table, consider keeping them out of sight in a kitchen or hallway drawer or cupboard.

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Home security audit

Take a fresh look at home security. Take our short home security audit for tips on key home security habits and home security areas to help keep your home safe from thieves.

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