With home break-ins increasing from 1.8% in 2022–23 to 2.1% in 2023–24, affecting an additional 32,000 households and bringing the total to 218,000*, NHW Month encouraged Australians to take simple, practical steps towards improving home security and help reduce the risk of crime.

Throughout March, Crimsafe and NHWA shared crime prevention tips and advice through national radio advertising and across social media, empowering Australians to improve their home security and increase their Secure Scores.

Australians were also encouraged to visit the Secure Score website, a free online resource designed to assess the effectiveness of home security measures and provide simple, tailored tips and actions to help households strengthen their security and feel safer in their homes.

The campaign built on previous behaviour-change initiatives delivered by Crimsafe and NHWA.

Natalie Hodgskin, Crimsafe’s Head of Marketing, said that tampered or damaged windows and doors were the most common evidence of attempted entry for intruders.

“Consider installing strong security screens as a barrier to prevent intruders, but let in plenty of fresh air and natural light into the home.”

NHWA CEO Selina Otto said there are many simple and cost-effective steps households can take to improve their home security.

“Every day practical actions such as locking doors and windows, even when at home, storing climbable items like bins and ladders away from your house and fence, improving visibility around the property with sensor lights or timers, and staying connected with your community by joining your local Neighbourhood Watch group.”

*2025, ABS. Property crime rises | Australian Bureau of Statistics

^ Based on the most common evidence of attempted break-ins involving damage to or tampering with doors or windows. 2025, ABS. Crime Victimisation, 2023–24 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics