Every year in Australia, there is a considerable amount of homes broken into, especially over the Christmas and holiday period. We all want to feel safe and secure in our own homes. Luckily, there are cost effective ways to reduce the risk of your home being targeted by burglars!
The first step for preventing burglars targeting and breaking into your home is to ensure your family and members of the household are collectively on board and that they understand the risks.
First, let’s hear the facts:
Budget.com.au reports one of the most common reasons for thieves targeting a property is mostly due to lack of activity e.g.: Houses that appeared vacant or unoccupied, rubbish bins left outside on the curb, no lights turned on inside the house in the evening, no vehicles parked in the driveway, an overflowing mailbox. If you have planned to head away, have someone check on your home if possible, check and empty the mail, pull in bins and leave a light on in inside.
Other reasons included the visibility or attraction of your home e.g.: houses located in an affluent area, houses that had an expensive car in the driveway or homes with valuable items on display or in view.
The most common method of entry recorded were:
Through an unlocked door – 40%
Breaking a door or window – 35%
Through an unlocked window – 28%
Picking or breaking a lock – 20%
Other – 15%.
Below is a list of the top ways by Crimsafe on you can effectively protect your home:
• Lock up your home: Even if you are going out for a short time, be sure to lock all your doors and windows. Locksmiths can configure all your windows to a single key for extra convenience.
• Install an alarm: Add another layer of defence to your home with an alarm system. Options range from a localised system that unleashes an ear-piercing siren to drive intruders away to an alarm with back-to-base reporting that advises a security company to attend when triggered. As an added bonus, installing an alarm can often lead to a reduction in the cost of your home insurance policy.
• Deter thieves with a dog: As many break-ins happen while the occupants are home a barking dog can be an excellent alert for you and your family to be aware and stay safe. It’s also an excellent deterrent and even something as simple as installing a ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign can make thieves think twice before targeting your home.
• Install sensor lights: Sensor lights switch on when they detect movement making them an excellent way of increasing your security, both when your home and when you’re away. Start by placing one at your front and back doors.
• Close your garage and lock your shed: Garages and garden sheds are often targets for burglars who can then use your tools or ladders to gain access to your main house. Police have reported that even wheelie bins are sometimes used to smash windows! A solar powered light can be a useful deterrent for protecting these areas when they don’t have mains power.
• Keep valuables out of sight: Certain houses look like they’ll score better ‘loot’ for intruders than others. For example, if you live in an affluent area and drive a luxury car, chances are you may also have more valuable possessions to try to steal. Items such as phones, wallets, laptops and jewellery visible through the windows and glass doors of your home can all add temptation for would-be thieves. Don’t forget to take valuables out of parked cars too – you’d be amazed how many people leave cars unlocked in their driveways and get robbed!
• Social media silence: These days it’s easier than ever to let strangers know that you’re not home. If you have an upcoming trip, avoid revealing too much information about it online, especially when it comes to sharing the dates that you’re away. If you’re travelling for an extended period, consider asking trusted family or friends to check in on your home from time to time and collect your mail.
• Get to know your neighbours: Neighbours can help keep an eye out when you’re away and report suspicious activity at your home. By returning the favour, it’s win-win for both parties. You can also check your local Neighbourhood Watch for updates about crime in your area.
• Upgrade security doors and windows: 60% of victims report that a door or window of their home was damaged during an attempted break in. In Australia, Crimestoppers recommend strengthening your home’s defences with quality Crimsafe screen doors & screen windows to protect your loved ones and your valuables. Strong screens can also act as a visual deterrent for intruders, sometimes stopping them from even trying to gain access.
If you require assistance to implement further measures of security to your home, the team at Peake Real Estate have a list of reputable trades people who can assist you in doing so. Contact our office anytime on 97075300.
