There are often typical circumstances which occur prior to a home being unlawfully entered. An offender will usually act on easy or tempting opportunities, especially when it is evident no one is home or the risk of being caught is low.
What you can do:
• Ensure doors are always locked with a key, even when you are home.
• Ensure that all external doors, including your garage, of your home are solid and fitted with quality deadlocks.
• Consider fitting security screen doors, designed and installed to Australian Standards.
• Install a door viewer that allows you to see the person before you open the door.
• Fit secure locks to your windows which meet Australian Standards and never leave the keys in the window lock.
• Ensure security grills and shutters are properly installed and allow an exit in case of an emergency.
• Consider installing an intruder alarm system and security camera system that covers all external doors, windows and garage. Ensure the system is installed to Australian Standards for domestic applications.
• Always ensure car keys and house keys, together with mobile phones, handbags and wallets, are stored out of sight and not on the kitchen table or bench.
• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility to your property and your house number is clearly visible.
• Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden implements such as ladders. Always keep your garage or shed door closed and locked with a key.
• Consider installing perimeter security lighting including sensor lights.
• Have an emergency evacuation plan and review it regularly.
• Don’t keep car keys or cash in cars.
Queensland Police encourage you to conduct regular audits of your home security. Check out the following:
• Security doors in good working order with triple locks and finger guards installed.
• Main doors are solid and patio bolts installed on sliding doors.
• Windows have key operated locks.
• Home is well-lit with sensor lighting installed to deter intruders from entering the home.
• Keep an up to date inventory list recording serial numbers, makes, models and descriptions of your property.
• Wheelie bins secured in a location which prevents an intruder using them to climb into your home.
• Valuable items outside the home secured in a garage or shed.
Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it.
Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR
