Home Security

Doors and Windows

As many as two-thirds of all burglaries take place through windows, especially those at the back on the ground floor. Keep windows key locked and remove the key. An intruder may break the glass but it is noisy and removing enough glass to climb into the house then out again increases the risk of being caught.

Patio and balcony doors should be fitted with extra security locks both top and bottom and anti-lift devices which prevent doors from being lifted off the rails.

Front and back doors should be fitted with a security deadlock that conforms to the Australian/New Zealand standards.

Security doors and security grilles will allow solid doors and windows to be left open to allow ventilation whilst keeping your property safe. Security doors should have a heavy duty frame and be locked at all times.

Thieves hate being seen. Sensor lights detect movement within 30 metres and automatically illuminate an area alerting you that someone is outside your house.

Timers can be installed to turn on lights and the radio or television at irregular intervals when you are not home.

Keep garden sheds secure at all times. Tools are costly to replace and may be used to break into your house.

Garage doors can be a vulnerable entry point. Padlocks are not suitable to secure a garage door, instead install block locks or multi-function locks.

Power boards should be inside a solid cabinet that is kept locked so intruders cannot turn off the power.

And remember:

• Don’t leave keys in hiding places outside
• Don’t leave keys in locks when you are not home
• Don’t leave notes on the door advertising that you are away
• Tell a trusted neighbour when you are going on holidays and ask them to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious
• Know how to identify your property
• Insure your home and contents

Download a copy of the Quick Home Security Checklist. 

For more information about how to keep your home safe, visit NRMA or NSW Police.

Apartments

Apartment buildings can often have a higher volume of people entering and exiting, so it can be difficult to know who is a resident, visitor or burglar. It is important to secure your apartment doors, windows and garage as you would a house (see Home Security) and ensuring that you never leave fire exit doors and main entrances open.

Some tips for keeping your apartment safe are:

• Get to know your neighbours and create rules about buzzing in visitors.
• Have adequate security for lifts and main entrances such as swipe cards and intercoms.
• Never write your first name on the apartment directory.
• Never let anyone follow you through the main door or garage.
• Never have anything around that burglars can use as a ladder to balconies such as bins and lattices.
• Always lock your balcony doors.

Strangers at the Door

You have the right to refuse entry to strangers or to people who make you feel uncomfortable. You don’t have to open the door to anyone who you don’t know or trust. If Unsure, don’t open the door!

Impostors can often take on the appearance of a salesperson, housing officer, tax officer or Neighbourhood Watch representative. They can appear to be nice or friendly, be any age or sex and can work alone or in pairs. A legitimate caller will not mind if you check their details.

Always:

• ask for identity
• ask whom they represent
• ring their office and verify their identity
• call ‘000’ if they are aggressive, demanding or suspicious

Some tips for keeping you safe are:

• Use a peephole, window or ask who is at the door before opening.
• Keep the security screen door locked at all times.
• If you are a female who lives alone, consider leaving some men’s clothes on the line or men’s work boots outside as a deterrent.
• If someone wants to use your phone for an emergency, make the call for them.
• Keep a phone, personal alarm and torch near your bed.
• Get to know your neighbours and join Neighbourhood Watch.
• Never leave keys in a hiding spot.
• Consider getting a dog.
• Report any suspicious callers or activities in your street to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Property Marking

Property marking allows your lost or stolen property to be returned to you if found as police are more able to trace the items. It also devalues your items for the intruder by making it harder to off-load them if they are marked.

Items can be marked with an electric engraver. These are available to borrow from the Crime Prevention Officer at Merrylands Police Station. It is best to engrave your Driver’s Licence number on the item. If you do not have a Driver’s Licence, contact the Crime Prevention Officer on 9897 4850 for advice.

Some tips for marking your property are:

• Record a list of serial numbers and a detailed description of all your valuables.
• Taking a photograph or video recording of items may also help. Keep these in a safe place or with your insurance company or bank.
• Cold stamp or weld your Driver’s Licence on large tools, machinery, trailers etc.
• Ensure that you have adequate insurance for your valuables. If they are not worth losing, then they are worth insuring.  

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is an important crime prevention initiative involving the community and supported by police. It encourages people in the community to work together to reduce crime by being observant, reporting anything suspicious and educating other members of the community. Neighbourhood watch is a deterrent to thieves and makes the community feel safer. Having a Neighbourhood Watch sign in your street sends a clear message to criminals that your neighbourhood is being watched for any suspicious activity.

Holroyd Community Neighbourhood Watch meets quarterly at the Merrylands Police Station to discuss crime prevention and increase community awareness.

This executive committee produces the newsletter Crime Watch News. This newsletter is forwarded to all the rate payers in the Holroyd LGA.

If you would like more information about meetings or the newsletter please email holroydnhw@yahoo.com.au or contact the Crime Prevention Officer at the Holroyd Local Area Command on 9897 4850.