Top Home ‘Crimprovement’ Tips

Once again, this Secure September, we’ve joined forces with our crime prevention partner Crimsafe, to encourage all Australians (homeowners and renters) to do a little home ‘crimprovement’ – making their homes more secure, and communities safer

Check your Score

Before you begin – check to see just how secure your home is. You can do this with Secure Score – a free online home security audit tool. You’ll get a score out of 100 and some simple tips to help you improve this score.

Our top tips

No places to hide – burglars look for an easy target where they won’t be seen. So limit the hiding places around your home. Cut back any overgrown trees and make sure your front door and windows can be easily seen from the street.

Put the spotlight on intruders – consider installing sensor lights or smart lighting to protect your home. If you already have them, check that they’re in good working order and make sure the exits and entrances to your home are well lit. Putting burglars in the spotlight is an excellent way to send them packing!

No easy entrances  – how easy are your windows to access from the outside? Are they secure in their frames? Are they lockable? Have you considered security screens?

Coming clean up front – make sure the entrance to your property is visible from your front door. Adding a peephole might be a good idea. Make sure you test the locks and that you have all the right keys on hand too. Having a single key for all screens and doors is very handy.

Don’t forget the laundry door – laundry doors and back doors are common entry points for burglars, so make it a habit to check all doors are locked, even when at home.

The key to success – is not hiding your spare key under the mat, on a window ledge, around a door frame, in a fake rock or in the mailbox. Keep spare keys in a safe place – either with a trusted neighbour or in a secure key box.

Lock up your tools – don’t let your tools be one of the tools a burglar uses to break into your home. Tidy up your tools, ladders and garden equipment and keep them secure in a locked shed or garage.

Protect your ID – your possessions aren’t the only things that burglars are after. Identity theft is on the rise too, so when you’re cleaning up your paperwork, be sure to properly destroy any documents containing personal details before putting them in your wheelie bin.

Keep a record – compile a list of the serial numbers, makes and models of valuable items in your home. This will streamline the insurance process if you’re ever unlucky enough to be burgled.

Get to know your neighbour – have a trusted neighbour keep an eye on your property for suspicious activity, whether you’re home or away. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch program and display the Neighbourhood Watch sign prominently so burglars know that someone is likely to be keeping an eye on your home. You can find your local group here.

From the team at Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and Crimsafe – stay safe and secure this Secure September!