With the rate of home robberies the highest in six years, home security is becoming an increasing concern for many Australians. According to Roy Morgan research, 58 per cent of Australians feel that crime is a growing problem in their community and 45 per cent feel less safe than they use to, however while people are increasingly locking their doors, there is a great deal more you could do to secure your home.
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Locking your front door but leaving the back one unlocked and windows wide open to let fresh air in is not the smartest move.
The best option is to replace screen doors and fly screens on windows with intruder resistant products that retain the same aesthetic features but are made of strong mesh that cannot be cut or easily removed.
Simple deterrents are the easiest way to make intruders think twice about breaking into your yard or home. Items such as security stickers on windows and motion sensor lighting are simple yet effective methods that increase your safety, however one that is often overlooked is basic fencing and lockable gates that make it difficult for anyone to get in or out of your property when they shouldn't be there.
Alarms and camera systems are becoming cheaper to install, are accessible via your mobile phone or tablet and help to discourage or catch thieves.
If you have a spare key do not leave it out in obvious places such as in a letterbox or under your door mat. If you have to leave one there are specially made products such as sprinkler heads and garden stones that blend into their surroundings and make it hard for strangers to find.
Security is not just limited to inside your home as outside your home there may be many items that could be stolen such as vehicles or tools. Vehicles and items such as tools, toys and bicycles should always be stored in a solid, locked shed or in your home.