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Lock and key
- It’s the most basic security tip, but often overlooked – lock up. Secure your car, garage, shed, windows and doors.
- Ensure your external doors are of solid core construction.
- Fit doors with a deadlock or deadbolt, but leave the key in the door to allow for emergency escape during a fire.
- Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding doors.
- Fit windows with key operated locks or security grills. Get your locks keyed alike so that one key opens all doors or windows.
- Don’t leave keys hidden outside the house. Leave a set with a trusted friend or family member.
- Don’t hand over the keys to your house or car by labelling them with personal details.
External factors
- Remove items from outside and around the premises that may be used as makeshift ladders.
- Secure your shed and tools that may be used to force entry.
- Motion sensor lighting can help deter criminals and alert you to their presence.
- Have internal lights set on a timer so they come on in the evening before you are home or when you are away for an extended period.
- If you’re going away, make your house look lived in. Put your mail on hold or have it collected and, if you’re taking the car, have a neighbour park in your driveway.
One man’s trash …
- Keep valuables out of sight, including their packaging – place this at the bottom of your bin.
- Shred papers to protect yourself against identity theft.
Internal factors
- Never leave a holiday message advising callers you’ll be away from home.
- Don’t advertise you’re away on social media; be mindful of the images you share, check privacy settings and disable location services.
- For smaller items of property, have them engraved or marked for personal identification so they are harder for thieves to sell.
- Don’t leave personal information in your car. If stolen, it leaves you open to other criminal activities.
- Don’t leave shopping in your car and keep valuables out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.
- Ensure you see the credentials of any tradespeople you are allowing entry to your home.
Alarms
- Keep your power box locked with quality keyed locks at all times. Consult your power company on the most appropriate way to secure your power box.
- Get your security alarm system monitored by a back to base monitoring centre certified in accordance with the Australian Standard by ASIAL.
- Ensure your alarm is maintained in good working order by a licenced security professional and ASIAL member.
Recommendation
- Get a licenced security professional to review your security and provide you with some options.
- Always use a licensed security professional and make sure they are an ASIAL member, bound by a Code of Conduct. Call Ruswin today, Townsville, Mount Isa and Rockhampton
