Home Security

Your home is your castle, and the effects of burglary and property damage have on seniors can be traumatic. The implementation of simple but effective security strategies can greatly reduce the likelihood of being a victim or a repeat victim of crime. This section provides advice and security services available to seniors from the Queensland Police Service to assist in reducing the chances of having personal property stolen or damaged.

Property Security

The Queensland Police Service has a range of programs to keep your home, business, vehicle and other property safe from theft and damage. Services available include home security assessments, property security presentations, training and brochures. 

For further information contact your local District Crime Prevention Coordinator or visit the Queensland Police Service Property Security website.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proven crime prevention approach which has been shown to reduce opportunities for crime and incivility.  The fundamental idea of CPTED (pronounced CEP-TED) is that it is possible to use knowledge and creativity to design environments in ways that lessen or prevent the incidence of crime.
 
The application of CPTED principles to your home and suburb can dramatically reduce opportunities for offences.  Simple CPTED strategies such as trimming foliage, sensor lights, clearly visible house numbering and keeping your premises maintained are just some tips which are likely to reduce the risks to your property.

For further information on how you can apply CPTED to your home environment contact your local District Crime Prevention Coordinator or visit the Queensland Police Service CEPTD website.

Home Assist Secure

Home Assist Secure (HAS) was established by the Queensland Government in 1993 and now funds 41 services across Queensland. This community service is funded by the Queensland Department of Housing and is supported by the Queensland Police Service. The HAS service provides the following assistance:

The Home Checklist Book - Contains practical advice about common home maintenance problems and solutions, home safety, legal and consumer protection issues, and sources of further specialised information.

Security Hints for You and Your Home - Provides information on how to make your home more secure and increase your personal security. Subsidised assistance helps people who are unable to obtain alternative assistance with minor home and yard maintenance and repairs.

Home Security Assessments- Police trained security assessors can inspect your home to help you decide on security-related repairs or installation of security hardware. They can also advise on personal safety issues. This service is only available in locations throughout the State where this program is operating.

To be eligible for free information and referral, you must be a home owner or live in any form of rental housing and be:

• 60 years or over; or
• of any age with a disability (or living with a family member who has a disability).

In addition to the above, to receive subsidised assistance for work in your home, you need to be:

• in receipt of a Commonwealth Government allowance or payment; and
• unable to make use of alternative forms of assistance, such as family or friends, Home and Community Care, Veterans Affairs or Department of Housing.

For further information contact HAS on 1800 642 902 or visit the HAS website.