Australians encouraged to be proactive about home security

Boost Home Security This Secure September with Simple ‘Crim’provements 

Understanding the Importance of Home Security 

As the warmer months approach, it’s an ideal time to reassess and enhance your home security. Break-ins and property crimes are unfortunate realities that many households face. Ensuring your home is well-protected can provide peace of mind and safeguard your property from potential intruders. This Secure September, crime prevention partners Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia are encouraging households to take proactive steps towards improving their home security. By understanding the importance of home security and implementing effective measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and vandalism. 

What is Secure Score and How Can It Help You? 

Secure Score is a free online home security audit tool designed to help households evaluate their security measures and identify areas for improvement. By assessing various security features from the street level, within the yard, and inside the home, Secure Score provides a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s security. Each security feature, such as a spotlight, security camera, or security screen, is assigned a value that contributes to your overall Secure Score, which is a score out of 100. 

A higher Secure Score indicates a more secure home, reducing the likelihood of break-ins and property damage. Additionally, improving the average Secure Score within a community can make the entire neighbourhood more resilient against crime. By using Secure Score, households can receive tailored recommendations to enhance their security measures, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to protect their home. 

Essential ‘Home Crimprovement’ Tips for Better Security 

Home security doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are several simple and effective ‘Home Crimprovement’ tips that can significantly enhance your home’s protection: 

• Secure all Doors – including balcony and laundry doors. The most common point of entry for intruders are unlocked doors (40%) and unlocked windows (28%)+ so make sure you make locking them (not snibbing) part of your daily routine. 
• Lock Your Gates: Ensure that both your front and back gates are locked with a solid padlock. This added layer of security can deter intruders from accessing your property. +4 
• Secure Your Garden Shed and Garage: Tools and equipment stored in sheds and garages can be valuable targets for thieves. Locking these areas can prevent theft and stop intruders from using your tools to break into your home. +4 
• Move Your Wheelie Bins: Store your wheelie bins in a secure location away from the house. Intruders often use bins to climb onto windows or over fences. Securing your bins can prevent easy access to your home. +5
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overgrown trees and shrubs can provide cover for intruders. Keeping your landscaping well-maintained can eliminate hiding spots and improve visibility around your property. 
• Keep a Spare Key in a Secure Location: Only 39% of people* leave their spare key somewhere secure. A lockbox is a great way to keep spare keys secure. +5 
• Install Security Screens: Security screens on doors and windows can provide an additional barrier against unwanted intruders. They are designed to withstand force and can prevent break-ins. +8 
• Have Mail Collected if You’re Away: Only 65% of Australians arrange for their mail to be collected while they are away or on holidays.* Organise a neighbour or friend to collect your mail so your home doesn’t appear vacant, which could attract an opportunistic intruder. 
• Install Cameras and Sensor Lights: Only 56% of Australians have sensor lighting around external doors or windows.° Security cameras can deter criminals and provide valuable evidence in the event of a break-in. Sensor lights can illuminate dark areas around your home, making it less appealing to intruders. 

Leveraging Technology: Motion Detectors, Cameras, and Sensor Lights 

Incorporating technology into your home security strategy can significantly enhance your protection. Motion detectors, security cameras, and sensor lights are all effective tools that can deter intruders and provide valuable surveillance. 

• Motion Detectors: These devices can detect movement around your property and trigger alarms or lights. They are particularly useful in areas that are not frequently monitored, such as side yards or back entrances. 

• Security Cameras: Visible security cameras can act as a deterrent to potential intruders. They also provide valuable footage that can be used to identify and apprehend criminals. Consider installing cameras at entry points and other vulnerable areas around your home. 

• Sensor Lights: Only 56% of Australians have sensor lighting around external doors or windows.° Sensor lights automatically illuminate when they detect movement. Placing these lights around entry points, driveways, and dark areas of your property can make it more difficult for intruders to approach unnoticed.

Strengthen Your Home’s Security with Strong Physical Barriers

• Install Security Screens: Security screens on doors and windows provide an additional barrier against unwanted intruders and can help prevent break-ins. They are designed to withstand force and act as a visible deterrent to unwanted visitors.

The Impact of Communities Working Together: Joining Your Local Neighbourhood Watch

Community involvement plays a vital role in keeping neighbourhoods safe. Joining your local Neighbourhood Watch group can significantly enhance your sense of safety and wellbeing, while also helping to improve your home security.

This community-focused initiative fosters collective empowerment and strengthens connection among neighbours. It also facilitates the sharing of valuable information, such as local crime trends and practical security tips, promoting greater awareness and proactive crime prevention.

Active participation in Neighbourhood Watch can also contribute to a higher Secure Score for your neighbourhood. When communities work together to implement good safety and security measures, they help create a safer, more resilient environment for everyone.

Taking Action: How to Get Started with Secure Score 

Ready to boost your home’s security this Secure September? Getting started with Secure Score is easy and can make a significant difference in your protection. Follow these steps to begin: 

1. Visit the Secure Score website: Head to the Secure Score website to access the free online audit tool. You can also download the Home ‘Crim’provement action plan.

1. Complete the Assessment: The assessment takes just a few minutes to complete. It will evaluate your current security measures and provide you with a score out of 100. 

1. Review Recommendations: Based on your Secure Score, you’ll receive tailored recommendations for improving your home security. These suggestions can include adding security screens, installing cameras, or joining Neighbourhood Watch. 

1. Implement Improvements: Take action on the recommendations provided. Even small changes can have a significant impact on your Secure Score and overall security. 

1. Monitor Your Progress: Regularly reassess your Secure Score to track your improvements and stay updated on new security measures. 

By taking these steps, you can enhance your home security, protect your property, and contribute to a safer community. This Secure September, make the commitment to improve your Secure Score and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-protected home. 

Even if you’ve previously completed your Secure Score, take a moment to visit securescore.crimsafe.com.au and see how your Home Crimprovement has improved your Secure Score. 

Partners in crime prevention 

Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia are proud to be Crime Prevention partners, working to strengthen communities against criminal activities with initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch Month and Secure September. 

*at 10 January 2025. Total average score from 2021 – 10 Jan 2025. 

°at 27 July 2025. Total average score from 2021 – 27 July 2025. 

+https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/crime-victimisation/2023-24