Simple Steps To Home Security

Photo: crisissurvivortips.com

Some areas are at more risk than others, with the Ninety Mile Beach area, south of Sale in Gippsland, topping the state. Cardinia Shire and the Frankston area, in the southeast metro area, are second and third on the list, with burglaries in 5% of homes. The western metro suburbs of Broadmeadows and Dallas are tenth worst, with about 3% of homes affected.

Now that the holiday season is near, burglars will be on the lookout for empty houses. RACV can provide insurance and security equipment, such as CCTV and alarm systems, but also suggests basic precautions to keep your home safe.

Every day

• Secure all doors and windows well with strong locks.

• Keep your valuables (car keys, jewellery, laptop, and cash) out of sight.

• Get to know your neighbours, and help to look out for each other.

• If you own a prestige car, park it in a garage.

• Talk to your family about what to do in emergencies, and have a plan in place.

When you're away

• Have a neighbour, friend or relative collect your mail and put out your bins.

• If you’re taking your car, ask a neighbour to park in your driveway sometimes.

• Leave keys with someone you trust, don’t hide them outside the house.

• Always put your tools away. They can be used to break in, or as weapons.

• Install motion sensor lighting.

Home invasion

• Comply with all demands, put your personal safety first.

• Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

• Don’t touch anything or try to clean up the scene afterwards.

Although in movies we often see burglars working at night, in fact burglaries are most common in the daytime, especially from 8am to 9am, and around 12pm and 5pm.

Bun C