As we head into spring and start leaving our doors and windows open again, September offers the perfect opportunity to assess and enhance your home security. Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia are encouraging all Australian households to conduct a home security audit and take a minute to think about the small things you can do to improve your home security as we enter the warmer months of the year and like to leave our windows and doors open. We call this ‘Home Crimprovement’, so keep reading for some simple ways you can do some Home Crimprovement this Secure September. Strengthen Communities and Homes Home Crimprovement #1: Join Your Local Neighbourhood Watch Group Becoming part of your local Neighbourhood Watch can significantly improve your sense of safety and wellbeing in your community, as well as improving your home security. This community-focussed initiative fosters a sense of collective empowerment and connection among neighbours. Benefits include an increased awareness of suspicious activities, stronger community bonds and access to crime prevention resources Secure Score boost: +6 points Home Crimprovement #2: Create a Neighbourhood Communication Channel Set up a WhatsApp group or use an app like Facebook to facilitate quick communication among neighbours. This allows for real-time sharing of suspicious activities or security concerns. Even better, its free to set up! Holiday Precautions Home Crimprovement #3: Arrange Mail Collection During Holidays An overflowing mailbox is a telltale sign of an empty house, making it an attractive target for crims. Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail while you’re away. Secure Score boost: +5 points Home Crimprovement #4: Use Light Timers When Away Create the illusion that someone is home by setting up smart plugs or timers for your lights and appliances. Many home speakers also offer similar features, allowing you to control your home’s lighting remotely with your smart device. Secure Score boost: +5 points Outdoor Security Measures Home Crimprovement #5: Secure Your Bins Relocate your bins away from fences and first-story windows. This simple action removes a potential “ladder” that intruders might use to access your home. Secure Score boost: +5 points Home Crimprovement #6: Install Sensor Lights Strategically placed sensor lights around external doors and windows can startle potential intruders and alert you to movement outside your home at night. Secure Storage Home Crimprovement #7: Lock Garden Sheds and Garages Don’t overlook these areas – they often contain tools that could be used to break into your home. An unsecured shed can provide a crim with all the tools needed to break into your home. A simple lock can make a significant difference. Secure Score boost: +6 points Home Crimprovement #8: Install a Safe Consider installing a home safe to store valuable items, including important documents and spare keys. Choose a model that can be bolted to the floor or wall for added security. Key Security Home Crimprovement #9: Rethink Your Spare Key Location Avoid hiding spare keys under doormats or potted plants. These are the first places a crim will check. Instead, consider a smart lock or key safe for secure access. Secure Score boost: +5 points Home Crimprovement #10: Use Smart Locks Replace traditional locks with smart locks that can be controlled remotely via your smartphone. These allow you to grant temporary access to visitors and track who enters your home. Visual Deterrents Home Crimprovement #11: Install Visible Alarms or Cameras The presence of security cameras or alarm systems can significantly deter potential intruders. It’s a psychological and visual deterrent that makes your home a less attractive target. Secure Score boost: +4 points Home Crimprovement #12: Keep Work Boots by the Front Door This quirky tip creates the impression that someone is home – like a “Beware of the Dog” sign, but for people. Home Crimprovement #13: Install security signs Make intruders think twice about accessing your home by installing a ‘Beware of Dog’ or ‘Security Cameras in use’ sign so they’re visible from the street. Secure Score boost: +4 points Monitoring Your Home Home Crimprovement #14: Install a Smart Doorbell Smart doorbells with cameras allow you to see and communicate with visitors remotely, even when you’re not at home. They also record activity at your front door. Secure Score boost: +5 points Home Crimprovement #15: Set Up a Home Security System Install a comprehensive home security system that could include door and window sensors, or motion detectors. Many systems offer smartphone integration for remote control and alerts. Secure Score boost: +8 points Home Crimprovement #16: Use Indoor /Outdoor Cameras Place indoor security cameras in key areas of your home. Look for models with features like night vision, two-way audio, and cloud storage for footage. Secure Score boost: +6 points The Ultimate Security Upgrade Home Crimprovement #17: Install Crimsafe on Doors and Windows For maximum protection, consider installing high quality security screens on your doors and windows for unhindered views, fresh breezes and to significantly reduce the risk of a break-in. Secure Score boost: +8 points Home Crimprovement #18: Assess Your Home Security A simple evaluation of your overall home security and potential weak spots is the best first step to securing your home. To help make it easier, we have created the Crimsafe Secure Score quiz https://securescore.crimsafe.com.au/. This free, online home security assessment will help you identify potential vulnerabilities and provide personalised recommendations to enhance the security of your home. Remember, home security is an ongoing process. Regular audits and small improvements can make a significant difference in keeping your loved ones and property safe. What is Secure Score? Secure Score is a free, online home security audit tool designed to promote safer and more secure communities by empowering homeowners to make their homes more secure. A home’s Secure Score is determined by assessing the security measures from the street level, within the yard and inside the home. Each security feature, such as a spotlight, security camera or security screen, is assigned a value that makes up a home’s Secure Score – a score out of 100. Find out your Secure Score now – https://securescore.crimsafe.com.au/
