The 10 Steps to Home Security
1. Neighbourhood Watch - Are you a Member?
Your neighbour's are your most
valuable security asset and this fact should be
exploited and reciprocated. Join the scheme now, it costs nothing and pays a
great deal.
2. Marking of Valuables - Can you
positively identify your property?
The engraving of your driver's license number
on household property is strongly recommended. If you join Neighbourhood
Watch and the Operation Identification Program, you will be loaned a free engraver and given property marking stickers.
3. Fences, Trees & Shrubs - Can you see
the front door
and windows of your home from the footpath?
If not, perhaps trees and shrubs should be trimmed or the
front fence lowered to allow a clear view of the house. This will remove hiding places for an offender.
4. Backyard Security - Is it possible to
gain easy access
to your backyard?
Look at 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.
5. Lighting - At night, is the front and
rear of your home
well lit?
Lighting such as flood lamps should be
installed to provide as few hiding places as possible to the would-be
offender, particularly while you are at home. Motion sensor or reactive
lighting is excellent for this and is quite inexpensive.
6. Protect Your Power Supply - Could an
unauthorized
person switch off your power supply?
A 125mm square window installed in the lid of
the meter box, and a Western Power approved padlock or key is the best way to
prevent unauthorized access. Circuit-breaker switches installed within the
home are also an advantage, but the meter box must still be secured.
7. Door Locks - Are your external doors
fitted with security locks?
Normal key-in-the-knob locks, which are
fitted to most homes are a burglar's delight and should be backed up with a
security lock. Aluminium sliding doors require the fitting of a key
operated lock most commonly referred to as a patio door bolt. Do not
rely upon manufacturer fitted locks or latches.
8. Window Locks - Are your windows fitted
with any key operated locks?
If not, they are an easy target for an
offender, and will offer little or no resistance. Key operated locks
provide a much greater level of security than manufacturer fitted catches, and
there is a lock for every type of window.
9. Security Screens & Doors - Do you
leave your windows or doors open for ventilation?
Security screens should be fitted to doors
and windows that are left open for this purpose. This will prevent an
offender from "walking in" on you. Remember, although security
screens and doors increase your security, windows and doors should be left
closed and locked when not at home.
10. Alarms - Do you have an alarm system
fitted to your home?
An Australian standards burglar alarm is
recommended in addition to all of the above. They can be fully monitored
by a security company or alternatively act as a deterrent due to the ear-piercing sound that is made when activated. The alarm will tell
you if an intruder has entered your home, and in some cases what sector.
