According to a recent survey by ABC, nearly 2% of households experienced a break-in during the 2022-23 financial year. In addition, new statistics show that youth offences (crimes committed by children 14-17) have risen by a concerning 30% year on year. And with these statistics weighing on our minds, it’s a timely reminder to prioritise the protection of your home, yourself, and your family. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve pulled together 10 tips to enhance your home security – each method is relatively easy, affordable and, most importantly, effective.
Install a smart doorbell system
Move aside door knockers; there is a much smarter system in town! Smart doorbell systems incorporate motion detectors and live-streaming videos that capture all the action at your front door and send it straight to an app on your phone. They’re also typically equipped with voice technology, enabling you to speak to visitors – such as delivery drivers – so you can let them know where to leave your precious packages. Beyond safeguarding your deliveries, a smart doorbell system helps you monitor all visitors – both wanted and unwanted. Our top 3 smart doorbell systems are from Ring, Arlo and Google Nest.
Focus on fencing and gates
Offenders inclined to break in want to do it with the least effort, and I guess you could say they like to work smarter, not harder. So, make it harder for them by simply putting up or maintaining fences and gates that make access to your property difficult. These can be designed tastefully, too, to add to your home’s street appeal – just ensure they’re robust, not easily scaled and fit for purpose. If you already have gates and fencing in place, check it regularly, paying extra attention to locks and hinges.
Utilise lighting as a deterrent
The cover of darkness is favoured for many criminal activities, so an easy defence is incorporating motion sensor lighting at your home. It’s a relatively simple preventative measure to put in place, and it has the added benefit of making it more inviting for lighting the way for (welcome) guests, too. There are plenty of great options on the market, and many of them won’t require the involvement of an electrician to install. If you want to go the extra mile to be energy efficient, invest in a solar motion sensor light powered only by the sun! In addition to motion sensor lights, if you’re heading away for the weekend or often come home late, pick up a few affordable Power Point Timers to use with lamps. They’ll light up your home from within at times you schedule and act as an extra deterrent against unwanted visitors.
Lock it up
It goes without saying that checking your locks are functioning correctly or replacing outdated ones is crucial to your home’s security. Lock technology has come a long way in recent years, reducing the old risks of someone simply cutting a copy of your keys or picking the lock with a bobby pin – as keys are no longer required! This not only provides you with the conveniences of never forgetting your keys and remote access, but with smart locks, entry via a code, fingerprint or smartphone app gives you an additional layer of security. Aside from smart locks, installing deadbolts on external doors and locks on easily opened windows and updating garage remote systems every few years are simple and smart steps for enhancing your home security.
Be alarmed
If you want to add an extra layer of security to deter intruders, a home security system fitted with an alarm and cameras is a great option. These allow you to monitor your property remotely (often connected to an app on your phone), and an alarm will warn anyone who attempts to break in. And the good news is, these days, installing a home security system doesn’t mean you’ll need to take out a second mortgage – there are plenty of options across different budgets and needs. Having a home security system will also increase the value of your home, which is great if you plan to sell eventually.
Valuables shouldn’t be visible
Research has shown that as much as 40% of burglaries are opportunistic, and spotting valuables within your home can be a big driver of this. It’s best to keep items of high value hidden away – ideally in a sturdy safe – and ensure hot commodity items like tablets, laptops, money, and jewellery aren’t left lying around. While having a safe in your home might seem a bit over the top, its benefits extend beyond burglaries. It can also provide a safe spot to store important documents like passports and birth certificates in a fire or flood.
Don’t overlook your garden
Eliminating hiding spots for intruders is crucial to preventing unwelcome visitors on your property, so keep pathways clear and avoid the overgrown look. Pay particular attention to the areas around your front and back doors and windows, and opt for minimal and well-maintained plantings that don’t obscure these access points. If you’re looking for new plants in these areas, choose flowers or compact plants to reduce cover, and don’t be shy with thorny varieties like roses, agaves, and bougainvillea.
Wise Wi-Fi
A less physical way to protect you and your property, but equally important (with the average Australian household having around 24 internet-connected devices), is ensuring your Wi-Fi network is secure. For the less digital savvy amongst us, an unsecured Wi-Fi network can open you up to being hacked, your personal information obtained, and things like your bank account and even your identity being compromised. The best steps to take are setting up your Wi-Fi network with a strong password (and changing this regularly), selecting WPA2 as your network encryption (the strongest encryption available) and installing a firewall, anti-virus, or anti-malware software onto your network. Visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre for more tips on securing your home Wi-Fi.
Fido (or faux)
Dogs serve as a great ‘occupancy cue’ for deterring burglars, with one survey of former burglars ranking them as the #2 deterrent (just after CCTV cameras). But this isn’t a reason to rush out and buy a dog! If you have one already, consider leaving them somewhere where they’ll be easily heard by unwelcome guests when you’re out. And if you don’t have a dog, pick up a “Beware Of The Dog” sign, attach it to your gate or fence, and even consider popping a dog bowl just inside your gate. This simple and affordable addition to your home security can effectively throw thieves off track.
Take it beyond your four walls
Outside of your home, there are plenty of ways you can get involved in boosting the safety of your community as a whole. This includes joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch program in your area, getting to know your neighbours and community (particularly helpful for times you’re away), and staying informed about crime trends in your area. Preventative measures play a crucial role, too, particularly when it comes to youth crime. Things like campaigning for youth engagement programs and youth centres and clubs in your area will have a positive impact, as will a focus on education and support services for at-risk youth.
Be vigilant, reduce risks
Home security is all about deterring unwanted visitors and being personally vigilant, aware, and educated about potential risks. Installing smart security systems like keyless entry, alarms, and motion sensor lighting not only increases your peace of mind but can also increase the value of your home. If adding to your home security isn’t putting you at ease and you’re considering relocating, reach out to your local First National Real Estate. Your local property experts will provide you with the guidance and assistance you need to find a safer sanctuary to suit.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.