This Neighbourhood Watch Month, Crime Prevention Partners Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia share findings from the Secure Score resource and 2024 Home Crimprovement competition. Findings from nearly 1,000 homeowners who participated in the 2024 competition confirmed that many Australians were feeling vulnerable to break-ins. Over a quarter of the 2024 respondents said break-ins were of high concern for them and their household, with many sharing their first-hand accounts of break-ins in their own homes, in their local neighbourhood or across their friends or family network. Fears over car theft have grown, with many respondents reporting vehicles being stolen in their neighbourhoods. With vehicle theft increasing nationally, up by 11 per cent in 2022 alone, it’s understandable that this has become a primary concern for Australians. Crimsafe’s Head of Marketing, Natalie Hodgskin, said that recent market research has shown that many people still feel unsafe in their homes and are looking for ways to improve their security. “The main entry point into many homes are large, hinged doors. Security screens provide an exceptionally strong barrier, while still allowing in fresh air and natural light. “Having strong security screens is one way that people can keep their family safe inside, while keeping unwanted visitors out.” Neighbourhood Watch Australasia CEO, Maria Bennett, said that data collected on the trusted Secure Score tool since 2021* indicates that many Australians are missing easy opportunities to deter intruders and live safer. Only 39%* of people leave their spare key somewhere secure. Storing spare keys under the doormat, pot plant or in a fake rock are some of the first places that crims check. Lockboxes are a safe and easy way to store spare keys. Only 31%* of people have a timer or smart light system. Timers are a relatively cheap solution to deter would-be intruders by creating the illusion that someone is home. If using a timer, try to slightly vary the times your lights are turned on and off. Having motion detectors on outside lights can put intruders in the spotlight before they have an opportunity to try and enter your home. Motion-activated lighting immediately alerts you and your neighbours to any movement around your home. 56%* of people don’t have security cameras on their home. Security cameras are a visual deterrent for intruders and allow you to monitor your property via live streaming if you’re away. If you rent your home, try using mobile security cameras that don’t require installation. Only 47%* of people have a lockable front gate. Securing your gate with a strong lock makes access a lot harder for intruders. Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia encourage people to live safer by taking the free Secure Score quiz. Complete your Secure Score during March, Neighbourhood Watch Month, for your chance to win a $5,000 Home Crimprovement package. Learn other ways to live safer in your home Resources Download your printable action plan. About Secure Score The Secure Score tool is a free online resource developed by Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia to help communities to evaluate effectiveness of home security measures and learn ways to live safer in their homes. Average scores have been calculated from data collected via the Secure Score tool since 2021. Partners in crime prevention Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and Crimsafe are proud to be Crime Prevention partners, working to strengthen communities against criminal activities with initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch Month and Secure September. *Total average of Secure Scores from 2021 – 10 Jan 2025.
