Security Tips
10 Tips To Keep Your Home Safe & Secure
Step 1: Join Neighbourhood Watch
If you are not an online member of Neighbourhood Watch WAonline, you may like to join and receive emails about crime prevention in your local area from your local police.
If you are already an online member, you may like to consider becoming a street representative. Maybe ask your neighbours to do the same – your neighbours are your most valuable security asset.
Step 2: Marking of valuables
The engraving of your driver’s licence number on household property is strongly recommended. Engrave the letters “WA” before the numbers to indicate Western Australia, e.g., WA 1234567.
When the engraved item is sold or disposed of, engrave the letter “S” after your driver’s licence number to indicate change of ownership. To obtain an engraver please contact your local crime prevention officer (see www.police.wa.gov.au/ Local Police page).
Step 3: Fences, trees and shrubs
Your trees and shrubs should be trimmed or the front fence lowered to allow a clear view of your house. This will remove hiding places for the “would be” offender and improve your neighbour’s visibility should you need assistance.
Step 4: Backyard security
Consider putting up fences or other barriers, such as garage doors at either side of your home. This will make it more difficult for an offender to enter and work in the “safety” of your backyard. Also ensure that all tools are stored away and outbuildings are locked securely.
Step 5: Lighting
Good lighting, such as flood lamps, should be installed to minimise hiding spots for the “would be” offender, particularly while you are at home. “Motion sensor” or “reactive” lighting is excellent for this and is quite inexpensive to buy and install.
Step 6: Protect your power supply
Have a viewing window installed in the lid of your meter box, and a Western Power approved padlock or key lock installed. Circuit breaker switches installed within the home are also an advantage, but the meter box must still be locked.
Step 7: Door locks
Have door locks fitted without delay. Normal key in the knob locks, which are fitted to most homes, are a burglar’s delight. These locks must be backed up with a security lock. Fit a key operated lock (commonly referred to as a patio door bolt) to aluminium sliding doors. Do not rely upon manufacturer fitted locks or catches.
Step 8: Window locks
Windows that are not fitted with key operated locks are an easy target for offenders, and will offer little or no resistance. Key operated locks provide a much greater level of security than manufacturer fitted catches, there is a lock for every type of window. Remember, do not leave the keys in the locks.
Step 9: Security screens and doors
Have security screens fitted to the doors or portion of the windows that are left open for ventilation. This will prevent an offender from “walking in” on you. Remember, although security screens and doors increase your security, they are for use when you are at home. Ensure the doors are “key locked” as the latch (snib) device on many doors does not achieve maximum security.
Step 10: Alarms
Consider the installation of an Australian Standard 2201 approved burglar alarm. Intruders are far less likely to break into a house with an alarm system. An alarm will usually only tell you after an offender has entered your home. For immediate response to an alarm, the use of a monitoring service will make arrangements for your premises to be checked. All security products should be installed by licensed security installers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL ASPECTS OF SECURITY AND CRIME PREVENTION CHECK OUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WEBSITE: www.nhw.wa.gov.au
