Home Security

Most home break ins happen during the day. Burglars usually look for doors that are unlocked and windows left open so they can grab what they can and make a quick getaway. If a burglar can’t see an easy way in, they often won’t try.

Tips to keep the burglars out

Secure your home:

• Lock your doors and windows even when you are at home.
• For a cheap quick fix, a piece of dowel in a window or sliding door runner can be just as effective as a lock.
• Most homes that are broken into do not have a security alarm. An alarm system could help protect your home and they come with a range of features to suit different budgets.
• Place stickers and signs around your home to warn burglars of an alarm system, dog or Neighbourhood Watch.
• Install sensor lights that turn on with movement.
• Check your outside lights, windows and door locks regularly to ensure they are operating correctly.
• Pack away garden tools and always keep them in a locked shed or garage so they can’t be used to break into your home.
• Maintain your lawn and keep hedges and bushes cut back so your front and backyard can be easily seen and there is nowhere for an offender to hide.

Hide your valuables:

• Don’t leave your keys or wallet near the door or where burglars could see them or smash a glass panel and reach them. Wallets and cards are a quick win for burglars and more offenders are breaking into homes to grab car keys so they can steal your car.
• Keep valuables somewhere hard to find. Burglars often target jewellery in jewellery boxes on bedroom dressers and other valuables in bedside drawers and cupboards.
• Never leave keys hidden outside your home. Leave them with a trusted neighbour or friend or invest in a good quality lock box/key safe.
• Mark your property using an engraver, ultraviolet (UV) pen or microdots.

When you go away:

House break-ins often increase over holiday periods, because offenders know an empty house can be an easy target. You could organise a house sitter or here are a few tips to make it less obvious that no one is home:

• Ask someone to collect your mail so your mailbox doesn’t overflow.
• Keep a light on inside.
• Get someone to water your plants and/or generally check on your house.
• Let your neighbours know you’re going away so they can keep an eye on your home and raise the alarm if they see anything suspicious.

Be a good neighbour

By working together and keeping an eye out, you can help prevent crime in your area.

• Get to know your neighbours
• Watch out for each other’s homes, including collecting a neighbour’s mail when they’re away or alerting police of unusual activity
• Join Neighbourhood Watch

What to do if your home is burgled

If you do hear an intruder in the home, don’t risk it. Leave the house immediately and go to a safe place. Call Triple Zero (000) and wait for the police.

If your home is broken into report it:

• Take note of all missing items and any potential ways the offender may have gained entry. 
• You will need a copy of the police report and/or a case number to provide to your insurance company.
• When you call police ask them what you can and cannot touch. 
• Check all locks and consider if you need to replace the locks on your doors and windows.

Who to contact

• Police Assistance on 131 444 to report a crime that is NOT life threatening or a time critical emergency  
• Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation
• Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to report information about illegal activity, suspicious activity or information which may assist in solving a crime.

The SafeHome Program

If you need assistance to make your home more secure you may be eligible for assistance from the SafeHome Program funded by ACT Government.

The SafeHome Program aims to improve home security for households in the ACT that are vulnerable to property crime.

A trained assessor offers face to face home safety assessments in the home to victims of property crime, vulnerable families / persons at risk and can make minor modifications to eligible residences.

Free practical workshops are available for community groups, presenting low cost ideas and strategies to improve home security.

If you are interested in a home security assessment or involved in a group that would like to discuss security, contact the SafeHome team at SupportLink on
1300 656 200 or safehome@supportlink.com.au