There are simple tips you can follow to reduce your risk of burglary.
Crime Prevention Tips
- Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted to all doors and windows. You can download a copy of the Are you secure brochure for more information on window and door locks, or ask your local Crime Prevention Section for a copy.
- Even when you are outside, be sure to lock all doors and windows.
- Install a smoke alarm and ensure it works properly by replacing the batteries regularly
- Lock gates, garages and sheds when not in use.
- Keep trees and bushes in front of doors and windows trimmed to avoid being used as hiding places.
- Install and activate a security alarm system.
- Lock all garden tools and ladders away securely so they cannot be used to break into your home.
- Don't leave valuables in obvious places. Thieves often target jewellery in jewellery boxes on bedroom dressers and other valuables in bedside drawers and cupboards.
- Break down packaging of expensive items and place it in your bin. Don't leave it next to your bin on the street.
- Lock your meter box to prevent thieves interfering with your power supply (contact your local electricity provider for more information).
Mark Valuable Property
- Use an engraver, ultra violet (UV) pen or microdots to mark property. Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or Crime Prevention Section to hire or buy these items.
- UV pens are best used for items that cannot be engraved e.g. ceramics, antiques etc.
- Mark your valuables with your driver's licence number, prefixed by the letter 'S' for South Australia e.g. S123456.
- Photograph jewellery with a ruler beside it to give an indication of the actual size.
- Record all details on the Property Record (available at the back of the Home Security brochure) and keep this in a safe place.
Protect your Vehicle
- Lock your vehicle doors and close windows.
- Install an alarm or immobiliser and activate it.
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle. If you can't, conceal them in the boot prior to arriving at your destination.
- Park off the road and if possible in a locked garage.
- When at home keep your keys in a safe location.
- Do not leave spare keys hidden in or around your vehicle.
Going on holiday?
- Ask your trusted neighbours to keep an eye on your property. If you have an alarm, tell them what to do if the alarm is activated.
- Secure all doors and windows before leaving.
- Lock all garden tools and ladders away securely so they cannot be used to break into your home.
- Turn your telephone and doorbell volume down to low.
- Never leave a holiday message on your answering machine.
- Turn off unnecessary appliances.
- Use timer switches to turn on lights and radios. Tune to talk back programs as it gives an impression of people at home.
- Cancel all regular deliveries.
- Hang some old clothes on your clothes line.
- Leave your curtains and blinds partially open. People will not be able to see straight in and you will create doubt about whether someone is home.
- Ask a trusted neighbour to park their car in your driveway.
- Take all spare keys with you when leaving the house.
- Arrange collection of mail from your letter box, by a trusted neighbour or friend. Alternatively organise for Australia Post to hold your mail until you return.
- Have junk mail collected daily or place a 'No Unauthorised Mail' sign on your letterbox.
- Have your rubbish bins put out on the correct day by your neighbour or friend and brought in on the same day.
- Leave emergency contact details with your trusted neighbour.
- Ask neighbours to report any suspicious activity to police.
If you've been broken into
- Report the break in to the police - call 131 444.
- List the property that has been stolen.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Obtain quotes and organise to get any damage repaired.
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