Burglaries and break-ins are a common issue for many households across Australia. It is one of the most common crimes which people fall victim to and official figures state that there were around 335,700 break-ins recorded in 2009-10. This begins to show the extent of the issue. Whilst burglary is unfortunately not something which can be entirely eradicated there are certain steps and measures that can be taken to minimise the problem. Homeowners and residents need to do everything within their power to prevent having intruders enter their properties and some of the things which need doing are so simple and yet they are not always done.
Don’t Hide a Spare Key Outside
This is a common mistake which many people make. Whilst the logic behind having a spare somewhere in case you lose your own is totally understandable by having one stashed outside the property you are basically giving a burglar a way in if they can find it. Whether your spare key is in an obvious place or hidden very discreetly it’s still wiser not to do it. A more sensible option would be to leave the key with a neighbour or buy a heavy-duty key safe.
Inspect the Quality of Your Locks
The locking mechanism of your doors and windows is the most important part. This is their weak spot which can easily be exploited by an experienced burglar. You should ideally have dead-lock bolts on all doors and windows as these are the most secure types and they should be of high quality. Alongside this make sure that they are firmly attached and in good working order. If you have any doubts at all then replace them.
External Lighting
If a criminal cannot hide around a property it is much harder for them to break in. They will also be less likely to even attempt to do so. Having exterior lights which are set on a timer will be very helpful and even better yet, have motion sensor lighting. Anyone loitering outside of the property will send out an instant signal to neighbours and this could lead to them being spotted before gaining access to the building.
Make Use of Alarm Systems
Having a quality alarm system is one of the most effective measures which can be taken to prevent burglaries. Whether it is one which sends a signal out to the police or just one which causes a loud noise to alert locals they are a great deterrent as often burglars will quickly leave the scene of the crime. Also do not have anything which notifies people what alarm system you have in use as you will be informing a burglar useful information which can help them to exploit or shut off any specific alarm.
Secure Your Windows and Doors
Clearly the entry points which will tend to be used by burglars are the windows and doors. Therefore, it stands to reason that you should be making them as inaccessible as possible. Companies can fit security screens and doors to your property which will give you an added layer of protection. Sometimes just the sight of them may make a burglar think twice
