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Home Security

Neighbours are your first line of defence against crime. Get to know them and ask them to keep an eye on your home when you are out or on holiday. Offer to do the same for them. Consider joining Neighbourhood Watch.

Home number

Make sure that your home number is clearly visible from the street so that police and emergency services can find your home quickly.

Keys

Never 'hide' your home key under a doormat, in the meter box, in a pot plant or any other obvious place. Instead leave a spare key with a trusted friend or relative.

Don't mark your keys with your name or address. If you lose them a prospective burglar who finds them will be able to identify your home.

Ladders and tools

Don't leave a ladder or tools lying around. Burglars may use them to break into your home.

Going out at night

Leave a light and radio switched on. Automatic timing devices that switch lamps on and off are a good idea.

External lighting

Good external lighting can be an effective deterrent to many burglars as this increases the likelihood that they will be seen.

Keep doors locked when working outside.  If you are gardening or working away from the house, make sure your doors are locked.

Intruders in your home

If you hear an intruder in your home do not confront the offender. Concentrate on staying safe, if there is no risk phone the police and try to get outside as quickly as possible.

If you are outside and you see signs of a burglary do not enter as the burglar may still be present. Go to a neighbour's house and call the police. Try to record the descriptions of any suspects or suspicious vehicles.

Security Alarms

Alarms should not be a substitute for good physical security but rather an addition to it.

A good alarm system should include:

• 24 hour battery backup;
• Comply with Australian Standards 2201;
• Two, tamper resistant sirens one inside, one outside; and
• A "user friendly" code pad and control box.

No alarms are connected directly to police stations. An alarm monitoring security company may be relied upon to ensure an effective response to the alarm. Alternatively, you can monitor the alarm yourself using your mobile phone.

For further information, please contact Community Policing Services