Ways to fortify your residence and discourage intruders
In the ever-evolving landscape of home security, residents of Victoria, Australia, are taking proactive steps to protect their properties and belongings. Here's a guide to effective measures that can deter burglars and improve home security.
Firstly, installing security systems such as CCTV and smart video doorbells plays a crucial role. These devices serve as strong deterrents, monitoring entrances and sending alerts to your smartphone. Some models even include motion detection and two-way communication features [1][3]. Tenants should seek landlord permission before installing these devices.
Secondly, keeping all doors and windows locked at all times is essential. Burglars may attempt entry by scaling buildings or tailgating through entrances [1][3]. Additionally, securing access points such as gates, garage doors, and apartment building entrances with automated gates and controlled access systems discourages opportunistic burglars by signaling strong perimeter security [4][3].
Maintaining delivery and mail security is another vital aspect. Meeting delivery personnel at building entrances and securing letterboxes can prevent theft [1][3]. Being vigilant against ‘tailgating’—do not allow strangers to follow you into apartment buildings or secured areas. Close doors and barriers behind you to prevent unauthorized access [1].
Strategically using security lighting around your property is also beneficial. Motion-activated lights and floodlights eliminate hiding spots and alert you to movement, making your home less attractive to intruders [2]. Keeping the garden tidy and installing sensor lights in key areas can further improve home security.
Burglars often target items that are easily visible, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cash, power tools, jewelry, passports, and bikes. Keeping valuable items out of sight by locking them in a safe or in hidden drawers can help deter burglars. It's also important to note that valuable documents and sensitive personal information are in demand with burglars as identity theft becomes a lucrative crime [5].
Community safety advice includes registering absences from your residence, preventing theft from storage areas, and reporting suspicious activity to local police to assist crime prevention efforts [3]. Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon emphasizes that burglars are often opportunistic and fearful of being caught [6].
A home security system can help deter would-be burglars. Properly locking doors, windows, and garages, installing and using door deadbolts, window locks, strong security doors, and safes for valuables can also deter burglars [1][3].
In 2023, there were 24,881 counts of burglary reported across Victoria, marking a 19.5% increase in residential burglaries as reported by the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency [7]. Homeowners should check that their home insurance coverage is adequate to protect their homes from burglary.
After a burglary, it is important to secure the home, report the crime, and claim on home and contents insurance. Implementing home security tips beforehand can help minimize the chance of becoming a burglary victim.
Lastly, introducing oneself to neighbours, exchanging contact details, checking in regularly about suspicious activity, and joining a Neighbourhood Watch group can help prevent opportunistic crime [8]. By combining these measures, residents of Victoria can create a layered security approach that significantly improves home protection.
References:
[1] RACV Home Insurance. (2023). Home security tips. Retrieved from https://www.racv.com.au/insurance/home-and-contents/home-insurance/home-security-tips
[2] How Safe is My Place. (2023). Free quiz to assess home security. Retrieved from https://www.howsafemyplace.com.au/
[3] Neighbourhood Watch. (2023). Home security tips. Retrieved from https://www.neighbourhoodwatch.org.au/resources/home-security-tips/
[4] Victorian Crime Statistics Agency. (2023). Crime statistics. Retrieved from https://www.vcosa.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics
[5] Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner. (2023). Protecting your personal information. Retrieved from https://www.ovic.vic.gov.au/privacy/protecting-your-personal-information/
[6] Neighbourhood Watch. (2023). CEO interview. Retrieved from https://www.neighbourhoodwatch.org.au/news/ceo-interview-with-bambi-gordon/
[7] Victorian Crime Statistics Agency. (2023). Residential burglary statistics. Retrieved from https://www.vcosa.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/crime-statistics-victoria/victorian-crime-statistics-2023/residential-burglary
[8] City of Melbourne. (2023). Neighbourhood Watch. Retrieved from https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/safety-and-crime-prevention/neighbourhood-watch/Pages/neighbourhood-watch.aspx
Maintaining a secure home-and-garden lifestyle in Victoria, Australia, includes not only installing security systems like CCTV and smart video doorbells but also adopting home-and-garden security practices. For instance, keeping all doors and windows locked, securing access points, and implementing security lighting can significantly deter potential burglars.
