Reduce the risk of burglary
Please read the Making your home more secure pamphlet (PDF, 71.7kb), which details steps you can take to reduce the risk of burglary, and what to do if you are burgled. The Home safety and security handbook (ACT Council on the Ageing) is also a comprehensive resource with useful advice.
Good home security is more than just fitting deadlocks or alarms. Home burglary is a common crime here in the ACT, so it is important to remember there are a number of precautions you can take to protect your property.
Identify your property
Thieves generally don't like stealing property that is clearly identified. Marked property is harder to dispose of.
Make sure you:
- engrave your electrical equipment and other property with your driver's licence number, prefixed by 'A' for ACT. Engraving machines are available from your local Neighbourhood Watch Association;
- keep photographic records of all your property that can't be engraved, especially jewellery and works of art, and
- store valuation certificates in a safe place.
Also, keep accurate records of what you own. It will give police a better chance of locating your property.
Keys
- Never leave spare keys outside your home. Thieves know all the usual hiding places including under door mats and pot plants.
- Don't have personal details such as your name, address and telephone number on your keys.
- Give a duplicate set of keys to a trusted friend, relative or neighbour.
- If you lose your keys or move into a new home make sure you change the locks.
- If someone contacts you saying they have found your keys get them to drop them off at the nearest police station.
Windows
- Install key operated locks on all windows making sure they can all be opened with a master key.
- Use laminated glass or shatter resistant window film to help prevent windows being broken.
Doors
- Install quality deadlocks on all your external doors.
- Check your doors are correctly fitted and working properly.
- Check door frames are secure.
- Install a peephole in your front door and always check the identification of strangers.
- Secure garage doors with deadlocks or strong padlocks.
Yards
- Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed, especially those close to your house that could be climbed to gain access to your property.
- Make sure you keep all gates locked. The rear and sides of homes are often targeted by thieves.
- Always lock tools, ladders and garden equipment away as these items can be used by thieves to gain entry to your home.
- Install movement activated security lights at the front and back of your home.
Alarms
- Visible alarm equipment can be an effective deterrent to thieves.
- The alarm system you choose should cover all external doors and windows.
Other general security tips for your home
- Your house number should be clearly visible from the street in case of an emergency.
- Keep your front door locked when you are at the back of the house.
- Do not leave messages on the front door. It lets people know you are not home.
- Avoid having parcels left on the door step.
- If you have to have something delivered while you are out have a neighbour collect it.
- When out, leave a radio or television on or a light in the evening to give the impression you are home.
- Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
| Victims of crime - police assistance (ACT only) | Victim Liaison Officer, City Police Station London Circuit, Canberra City ACT 2601 | Ph: (02) 6245 7441 for appointment Email Victims liaison |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Service | Ph: (02) 6280 0900 (Crisis Service) www.dvcs.org.au |