With many Victorians heading away for a long overdue holiday break over the Summer, it’s a timely reminder to ensure your home is secure whilst you are away.
Courtesy of Victoria Police (www.police.vic.gov.au) here are some security suggestions to consider:
Prepare Your Home
- lock all windows and doors, even when you’re at home – unlocked side and rear doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars
- install good quality locks on external doors and windows – remember to disengage deadlocks when you are inside to allow easy escape in the event of a fire
- consider additional security measures such as security screen doors, sensor lights, a monitored alarm system and overt CCTV
- never hide keys on your property or in your vehicle – consider leaving with a family member or trusted neighbour
- lock your mailbox to prevent the theft of mail and personal documents
- keep garages, sheds and similar storage facilities locked
Other safety tips
- get to know your neighbours – they may recognise unusual activity when you’re out
- bring in your bins and collect mail regularly so your home looks lived in – ask a neighbour to bring your bin in or collect your mail if you are away for a while
- make sure your house is visible from the street so passersby and neighbours can detect any suspicious activity
- cut overhanging branches and trim shrubs back from your house to make it harder for burglars to hide
- place packaging from newly purchased expensive items in the recycling bin – leaving boxes on the nature strip lets burglars know what you have inside
- consider having a dog
- check the details of any salesperson or workman that comes to your door and report any suspicious activity to your local police
- consider a safe for storing valuables
- backup computer hard drives
- engrave or mark your property to make it harder to sell and easier to return if located – the letter V followed by your Victorian licence number is recommended
- photograph valuables and record details on a property inventory form
- join your local Neighbourhood Watch and Eyewatch Facebook page and be an active part of crime prevention in your community
