Security-Proofing Your Home
Home burglaries can happen on any street in any suburb. Here's how to make sure you're not the 'unlucky one'
You might think of your home as a castle, but are you doing everything you can to protect it from intruders? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in the 12 months prior to its latest Crime Victimisation Survey 2013-14, 228,900 households were the victim of at least one break-in to their home, garage or shed, while 170,800 households were the victim of an attempted break-in. Furthermore, the survey reported that in 10 per cent of these break-ins, the burglar was confronted by the householder – which means, you don’t even have to be away from home to risk theft or damage to your property.
For anyone that has already experienced a break-in, you’ll know how hard it is to recover from the loss – both material and emotional. Even just the damage to your property in the process of a break-in can have a significant impact on your finances, living situation and general feeling of safety. Your home is your sanctuary; a place that shelters and protects your family, possessions and memories; somewhere you can escape to. It is for these reasons that knowing how to protect it should be high in your list of priorities. It’s better not to leave the fate of your house up to chance. Make sure you’ve covered all bases with these simple and effective security-proofing measures.
For anyone that has already experienced a break-in, you’ll know how hard it is to recover from the loss – both material and emotional. Even just the damage to your property in the process of a break-in can have a significant impact on your finances, living situation and general feeling of safety. Your home is your sanctuary; a place that shelters and protects your family, possessions and memories; somewhere you can escape to. It is for these reasons that knowing how to protect it should be high in your list of priorities. It’s better not to leave the fate of your house up to chance. Make sure you’ve covered all bases with these simple and effective security-proofing measures.
Make your home visible
While large trees covering the entrance and windows to your home may provide privacy from impeding neighbours and passers-by, they can also provide a ‘cloak’ for intruders. If you’re not willing to clear the greenery, secure floodlights to branches, and flick them on as soon as it gets dark. Ideally, there should be a clear line of sight from your home to the street.
A poorly lit home will also compromise your home’s visibility, making it more appealing to intruders. Put it this way: would you feel more confident breaking into a home in broad daylight or when the lights are out and no-one can see? Light up your home with motion sensor lights or utilise light timers (more on these next) – and don’t exclude shadowed areas around the sides and back of your house.
While large trees covering the entrance and windows to your home may provide privacy from impeding neighbours and passers-by, they can also provide a ‘cloak’ for intruders. If you’re not willing to clear the greenery, secure floodlights to branches, and flick them on as soon as it gets dark. Ideally, there should be a clear line of sight from your home to the street.
A poorly lit home will also compromise your home’s visibility, making it more appealing to intruders. Put it this way: would you feel more confident breaking into a home in broad daylight or when the lights are out and no-one can see? Light up your home with motion sensor lights or utilise light timers (more on these next) – and don’t exclude shadowed areas around the sides and back of your house.
Install motion sensor lights
Installing a motion sensor light is an easy way to deter an intruder whom doesn’t want to be caught out, and alert yourself (if you’re home) and neighbours that someone is approaching the house. The extra benefit is the convenience they offer – lighting up pathways, driveways and entries as you approach – and the amount of money they can save you, not having to ‘remember’ to turn off your lights, for instance.
Installing a motion sensor light is an easy way to deter an intruder whom doesn’t want to be caught out, and alert yourself (if you’re home) and neighbours that someone is approaching the house. The extra benefit is the convenience they offer – lighting up pathways, driveways and entries as you approach – and the amount of money they can save you, not having to ‘remember’ to turn off your lights, for instance.
Keep up appearances
Intruders are more likely to attempt to break-in to your home when they think no one is home, so give outsiders the impression you never left the building. If you go away often or don’t get home from work till late, install a light timer to automatically switch the lights on/off as if you were home. Again, there are various options on the market at affordable price points. Belkin’s WeMo light switch allows you to remotely switch lights on and off from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet. You can also create the impression you’re home with sounds – so consider leaving the radio or TV on while you’re out.
Next, get your neighbours on your side. Let them know how long you will be away for, and leave a contact number should anything arise. Then, politely ask if they would mind emptying out your mailbox, clearing away any junk mail every couple of days, and taking out your bins the night before collection. A box of chocolates or bottle of wine to say thank you in advance wouldn’t go astray either.
Something as simple as an overgrown lawn will indicate no one is home, too, so either ask your friendly neighbour to help you keep the grass trim while you’re away, or hire a professional to do it for you.
Intruders are more likely to attempt to break-in to your home when they think no one is home, so give outsiders the impression you never left the building. If you go away often or don’t get home from work till late, install a light timer to automatically switch the lights on/off as if you were home. Again, there are various options on the market at affordable price points. Belkin’s WeMo light switch allows you to remotely switch lights on and off from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet. You can also create the impression you’re home with sounds – so consider leaving the radio or TV on while you’re out.
Next, get your neighbours on your side. Let them know how long you will be away for, and leave a contact number should anything arise. Then, politely ask if they would mind emptying out your mailbox, clearing away any junk mail every couple of days, and taking out your bins the night before collection. A box of chocolates or bottle of wine to say thank you in advance wouldn’t go astray either.
Something as simple as an overgrown lawn will indicate no one is home, too, so either ask your friendly neighbour to help you keep the grass trim while you’re away, or hire a professional to do it for you.
Keep your valuables out of site
Sure, your crystal collection perfectly decorates the windows to your home, but do you really want people to know you keep such valuables? Ensure all of your valuables – gadgets, jewellery, antiques, etc. – are out of clear view from passers-by, and avoid leaving your blinds open at night if your windows provide a clear view into your home.
TIP: Take photographs of your valuables, so that if you do become a victim of a burglary, you’ll have proof of your possessions and the condition they were in for an adequate insurance claim.
More: Smart Storage Solutions for Your Jewellery Stash
Sure, your crystal collection perfectly decorates the windows to your home, but do you really want people to know you keep such valuables? Ensure all of your valuables – gadgets, jewellery, antiques, etc. – are out of clear view from passers-by, and avoid leaving your blinds open at night if your windows provide a clear view into your home.
TIP: Take photographs of your valuables, so that if you do become a victim of a burglary, you’ll have proof of your possessions and the condition they were in for an adequate insurance claim.
More: Smart Storage Solutions for Your Jewellery Stash
Install an alarm system
An efficient alarm system that calls for help will most certainly embed fear in any intruder that enters your home. You can buy packages that include one or many of the following options: motion detection, perimeter security switches (for doors and windows), panic buttons, fire and smoke detection, CCTV and, of course, 24/7 alarm response patrols. Prices vary, so do your research before investing in an option that is best suited to your needs.
An efficient alarm system that calls for help will most certainly embed fear in any intruder that enters your home. You can buy packages that include one or many of the following options: motion detection, perimeter security switches (for doors and windows), panic buttons, fire and smoke detection, CCTV and, of course, 24/7 alarm response patrols. Prices vary, so do your research before investing in an option that is best suited to your needs.
Stick on warnings
Use alarm system, guard dog and neighbourhood watch stickers or signs on doors and windows to make burglars think they’re under surveillance – even if it’s not the case. Letting a burglar know (or even think) you’re well protected will make you less of a target.
TELL US
Have we missed any vital or basic security measures that ensure your home is protected? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
How to Stop Burglars in Their Tracks
A Guide to Dog and Cat Safety in Your Home
10 Good Reasons to Use Outdoor Lighting
Use alarm system, guard dog and neighbourhood watch stickers or signs on doors and windows to make burglars think they’re under surveillance – even if it’s not the case. Letting a burglar know (or even think) you’re well protected will make you less of a target.
TELL US
Have we missed any vital or basic security measures that ensure your home is protected? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
How to Stop Burglars in Their Tracks
A Guide to Dog and Cat Safety in Your Home
10 Good Reasons to Use Outdoor Lighting
The very first line of defence in securing your home from unwanted intruders is making sure you have secure doors and windows with high-quality locks. It may seem obvious but a recent survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology, taken by burglars in one of Perth’s main prisons, revealed that most break-ins were opportunistic, with about 66 per cent committed through unlocked doors or windows.
First and foremost, ensure your external doors are solid and robust – if they’re vulnerable, you could consider adding a security screen door for an extra layer of protection. External hinged doors should have key-operated two-cylinder deadlocks, while auxiliary exterior doors, such as French doors, will need keyed patio bolts.