Picture this: It’s late at night, and a cozy glow fills your living room and you’re comforted by the safety of your home.
But how secure really is your sanctuary? Let’s embark on a mission to transform your house into an impenetrable fortress, with our home security checklist.
Imagine your home as a medieval castle. What would it need to keep invaders out?
- Modern Drawbridge: Install smart locks that let you lock and unlock doors remotely, even if you’re far from home.
- Unbreachable Windows: Apply shatter-resistant films to your windows to strengthen them against forced entry. Don’t forget to lock your windows whenever you’re away or before going to bed.
- Guard Dogs (or Cameras): Set up surveillance cameras with motion detection and night vision to keep an eye on every corner.
Pro Tip: Let your security be known. Place signs warning of security systems—it’s often enough to deter opportunistic criminals.
Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Let’s flip the script.
- Install motion-activated floodlights that come to life when someone steps into your yard.
- Use smart lighting systems to program lights in different rooms to switch on and off, creating the illusion that someone’s home—even when you’re not.
Pro Tip: it is much harder to break into a home if it is lit up for the street to see.
Your valuables aren’t just objects—they’re part of your story. Let’s protect them.
- Hide your treasures in unexpected places. Think: a hollowed-out book or a disguised safe.
- Inventory your prized possessions with photos and serial numbers and etch a unique mark on electronics to make them traceable.
Pro Tip: Stash important items in a fireproof and waterproof safe, bolted to the floor. You’ll thank yourself twice—once for security, and again if disaster strikes.
Have you ever posted vacation pictures online and noticed that nagging feeling in the back of your mind? Time to outsmart potential observers.
- Use timers or smart plugs to mimic daily routines, like turning lights on at sunset or playing a radio during the day.
- Rally the troops. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail, take out trash, or even park in your driveway while you’re away.
Pro Tip: Silence is golden—especially on social media. Share your travel stories once you are home.
Every fortress has a protocol. Before you go to bed:
- Ensure all doors and windows are locked.
- Activate your alarm system and cameras.
- Store valuables out of sight.
- Double-check the outdoor lights and gates.
And now: Lay your head on your pillow with the comforting knowledge that your home is protected, your loved ones are safe, and you’ve done everything to keep it that way.
Home Security Tips
- Lock your doors, windows, and garage, even when you are at home.
- Keep valuable items, such as your car and home keys, hidden from windows.
- Take note of any strangers or unknown cars on your street.
- Consider trimming your front yard, and installing sensor lights to increase on-street visibility.
- Got five for a quick chat? Consider reaching out to a neighbour. You might be surprised by what they have noticed around the area.
Download our Home Security Checklist HERE.
If you see someone breaking into a house,
- Remain calm and remember that your safety is priority.
- Find a safe location.
- Once you are in a safe location, consider taking note of the following details:
- The individual’s appearance
- The incident’s time and date
- What activity you saw take place
- Contact Triple Zero on 000.
If the incident occurred in the past, contact the police assistance line on 131 444.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 to share crime information anonymously.
Remember: Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately to report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via our online reporting page to share crime information anonymously.
If you are involved in an aggravated burglary currently, or the offender may still be present, find a safe location and contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
If you are a victim of an aggravated burglary in the past, please call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and make a report.
If your car has been stolen, notify your insurance company.
You may also be entitled to apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for any physical or mental harm you suffer during the crime.
If you or someone you know has been affected by an aggravated burglary and need to speak with someone, please contact The Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817.
The Victims of Crime Helpline is a free service that provides advice and support with:
- Contacting the police.
- Applying for financial assistance.
- Advice on how to improve your personal safety.
- Seeking referrals to other services
The Victims of Crime website additionally provides information on the common emotional and physical reactions one may have to stressful events like crimes, suggestions to help you with recovery, how to best support a family member or friend, and how to help a child who has been affected by crime.
If you require urgent crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.