Security in the Home

Crime is Preventable

House-breaking is one of the most common crimes. The number of reported house-breaking cases in Queensland has increased in the past decade and house-breaking now represents one in five of all criminal offences reported to police. However, research suggests that most of these crimes are preventable.

Most house break-ins appear to be crimes ofopportunity with entry gained through an open or unlocked window or door.

Most intruders are looking for (and often find) a house left open or unlocked where they can get what they want with ease and make a quick getaway.

The following information may be of assistance in making your home more secure and reducing the opportunity for crime.

The Cost

It is not always necessary to spend a lot of money on home security. There are things you can do that cost nothing. Care and vigilance are free. If everyone made sure to lock up securely before leaving home, the impact on crime would be quick and dramatic (more Queenslanders would be working together with police to combat crime).

New homes

If you are building a new home, talk to your architect about designing to prevent crime. You can insist on using solid doors, locks on windows, the elimination of dark spots, improved exterior lighting, an alarm system, and good quality deadlocks on doors.

Some General Crime Prevention Tips

Your house number should be easily seen so police and emergency services can find your premises quickly. Reflective numbers are helpful. If your house is on a corner the number should face the street named in your address.

It is unwise to leave messages on doors. They suggest no one is home. If having goods delivered while you are out, have a neighbour collect them. A parcel on the doorstep also indicates no one is home.

Funeral and wedding notices containing an address can tell a potential offender when to strike. If attending such events have a friend stay over or ask a neighbour to watch your house. If living alone, it is best not to advertise the fact in the telephone book or on your letter box. Consider leaving a light on and the radio or television playing to give the impression that someone is home.

Cash and valuables should be kept out of easy reach, and out of sight. If you have a quality home safe use it. Consider a safety deposit box for especially valuable items.

If you hear an intruder in your home - do not risk injury. Concentrate on raising the alarm and staying safe. If outside, and you see signs of a break-in, do not enter. The intruder may still be present. Go to a neighbour's house and seek help to call police and wait there until they arrive.

Phone

If you own a touch phone, key in the emergency numbers of:

1. Local Police Station
2. 000
3. Family, neighbour or close friend, so they can be dialled by pressing one button.

This may be an important time saver especially in an emergency or dialling in the dark. Consider connecting a telephone extension to your bedroom. Messages on answering machines should be carefully worded so as not to indicate you live alone or the house is unattended.

Doors

The external doors of your house should be of solid-core construction and preferably fitted with deadlocks.

Safety hinges will prevent the door being pulled from its hinges. If a door opens outwards, hinge bolts should be fitted.

The inactive leaf of a set of double doors (French doors) should be fitted with concealed lever pushbolts or, preferably, key-operated locks. The other leaf can be fitted with a deadlock/deadbolt and used as a normal door.

Security Doors

If you wish to leave a door open for ventilation, consider installing a security door which complies with Australian Standards 2803.1 and 2804. A good quality security door should have the certifying label clearly displayed on the door, have a heavy duty frame, three security hinges, a deadlock, and be of 7mm mesh (if aluminium) or 10-12mm square bars if steel. Keep it locked at all times even when at home.

Holiday Checklist

• Cancel milk and papers.
• Have mail held or redirected.
  
• Have a friend remove junk mail and mow the lawn.
  
• Turn down the telephone.
  
• Inform local police of your absence and leave contact name and number.
  
• Wheelie bins should be locked away or chained to posts away from windows.
  
• Have a friend or neighbour bring in your wheelie bin after being emptied.
  

You should also make sure all doors and windows are securely locked with keyed locks.

For further information on holiday security precautions obtain a copy of the 'Holiday Precautions' brochure available at your local police station.