Understanding what burglars target can significantly enhance your ability to protect what matters most. This article explores common theft targets and provides practical strategies for securing your property, specifically for Australian households.
Common Burglar Targets
Burglars typically seek items that are easily portable and valuable. The most common targets include:
– Cash and jewelry
– Electronic devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets)
– Identity documents and credit cards
– Car keys
– Prescription medications
Vulnerable Areas in Your Home
Certain areas within a home are more likely to be targeted by intruders:
– Bedside tables and dresser drawers
– Home offices
– Living room entertainment units
Due to the rise of remote work in Australia, home offices have become attractive targets. They often house valuable electronics and important documents.
Practical Strategies for Protecting Your Valuables
To enhance the security of your belongings, consider these strategies:
1. Invest in a secure safe: Choose a high-quality safe that can be anchored to store valuables and important documents.
2. Minimise cash storage at home: Keep substantial amounts in bank accounts rather than on your property.
3. Document your possessions: Create a detailed inventory with photographs and serial numbers for insurance purposes. This documentation is invaluable in the event of a claim.
Secure the Property
1. Lock All Entry Points: Ensure all doors, including internal and external garage doors, windows, gates, sheds, pet doors, skylights, and other access points, are securely locked.
2. Install Security Features: Use deadlocks on all external doors and windows, and install a peephole, security screen door, monitored alarm system, cameras, and sensor lighting.
3. Remove Hidden Keys: Do not leave spare keys hidden outside your home; avoid leaving keys in window locks.
4. Additional Measures: Lock your mailbox, avoid leaving items at the door, and leave out a dog bowl or lead to give the impression of a dog on the premises.
How to Secure Valuables
1. Use a Safe: Store valuable items in a secure safe.
2. GPS Trackers: Install GPS trackers on vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, and quadbikes.
3. Lock Away Tools: Lock tools and ladders to prevent unauthorised access to your home.
4. Backup Data: Regularly backup computer data and use ‘find my’ applications on electronic devices.
5. Visibility: Keep valuables away from windows and record serial/model numbers of valuable items.
6. Disposal of Packaging: Do not leave boxes of new items on the nature strip, as this can alert thieves to what is inside your home.
Safety Tips for When You’re Away
1. Manage Deliveries: Cancel newspaper subscriptions and ask a neighbour to collect your mail or have it diverted.
2. Maintain Property: Ask a neighbour to take out and bring in your bins, occasionally park their car in your driveway, and maintain your garden.
3. Use Timers: Set timers to simultaneously turn on lights, radios, and TVs.
4. Video Doorbell: Install a video doorbell to interact with visitors remotely.
5. Discretion: Do not advertise holiday plans online, and consider getting a house-sitter.
Make It Harder for Thieves to Go Unnoticed
1. Visibility: Ensure your house is visible from the street by cutting overhanging branches and trimming shrubs.
2. Community Engagement: Get to know your neighbours and join your local Neighbourhood Watch group.
Enhancing Your Home’s Security
Improving your home’s security is vital for deterring potential intruders. Install good locks on all entry points, including windows. Deadbolts on exterior doors provide an additional layer of protection.
Many Australian homeowners find that a professionally monitored alarm system offers comprehensive security coverage. It’s worth considering for enhanced protection.
Effective lighting strategies play a crucial role in home protection—Utilise timers or intelligent systems to create the appearance of occupancy during absences. Install motion-activated exterior lighting to discourage nighttime intrusions.
What to Do If Your Home Is Broken Into
1. Safety First: Do not confront the thief; find a safe place and call the police.
2. Preserve Evidence: Do not touch anything, and contact your insurance company.
3. Reporting: For emergencies, call Triple Zero. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Insurance Considerations for Australian Homeowners
Adequate insurance coverage is essential for protecting assets in a burglary. Ensure your policy provides comprehensive coverage for all valuable items, noting that standard policies may limit specific categories.
Consider specialised insurance options for high-value items such as fine jewelry or artwork. Consult with a team member at ACS Financial to tailor a solution that meets your needs.
Additional Support
Counselling and Support: Your local police station can connect you to counselling and support services.
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT): You may be eligible for financial help for counselling, medical expenses, and loss of earnings through VOCAT. Note that VOCAT does not compensate for lost or damaged property.
Community Engagement in Security
Community involvement can significantly enhance local security. Establish relationships with Neighbours to create a network of mutual vigilance. Many Australian suburbs benefit from active Neighbourhood Watch programmes, which can effectively reduce local crime rates.
Remain vigilant and pass on any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. In Australia, you can contact Crime Stoppers or your local police station to report non-emergency suspicious behaviour.
Digital Security in the Modern Age
Online security is as important as physical security in our increasingly connected world. Exercise caution when sharing information on social media, particularly regarding travel plans or extended absences.
When employing smart home security technology, be aware of potential vulnerabilities in connected devices and maintain up-to-date software to ensure optimal protection.
Summary
Practical home and valuables protection requires a multifaceted approach incorporating physical security measures, community engagement, digital awareness, and comprehensive insurance coverage. You can implement more effective preventative measures by understanding burglar motivations and methods.
Maintain vigilance, regularly review your security protocols, and seek professional guidance when necessary. With appropriate precautions in place, you can achieve greater peace of mind regarding the safety of your valued possessions. Remember, proactive security measures are the most effective defence against potential threats.
