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Is your home protected?

Been burgled? Had unknown people slinking around your home while you were away? Anyone who has experienced a home invasion understands it is a very traumatic experience, and the sense of violation is hard to shake. According to research undertaken by AAMI, 34 per cent of Australians have experienced a break-in sometime in their lives *. These figures alone demonstrate that many Australians don’t adequately protect their homes.

Further research from the NRMA reveals underinsurance across Australia remains a problem, with one in three households estimated to have inadequate cover, while nearly 1.8 million of Australia’s 7.7 million households have no insurance at all.** This compounds the problem. First many Australian homes are badly safeguarded against break-ins, and second, they are also underinsured or lack insurance altogether if their home is invaded and damage or loss result. It is very important to both insure your home and see that it is properly protected. Let’s look at some ways that this can be done cost effectively.

Entry points

Windows and doors are the first points of entry. Check their condition regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Whilst they may still close and open effectively and keep the flies out, if the wood has weakened due to weather damage or age, it may take only a little force to break them open. A swift Hollywood karate kick and a seemingly solid door is no longer a barrier. Remember, too, a good door is not hollow, but made of solid wood.

Sturdy doors still need solid locks. Double cylinder deadlocks, are excellent locks. They can be locked from inside and outside, once the door is locked, it cannot be opened from the inside or outside without a key. If you are burgled, this type of lock could well limit what the thief can take, since, without a key, they won’t have access through that door at least.

Do you have a barrier between you and who you open the door to? Steel security doors are certainly no fashion statement; however, they are the best means to protect yourself should you answer the door to a danger. Alternatively you could install a one-way 'fish-eye' door. This will allow you to safely see who your caller is without opening the door. Fish eyes are very easy to install, and you won’t need a new door.
 
Install key operated locks on all windows, and make sure they can only be opened with a master key. Fit security screens to windows, especially where access from ground level is easy. It’s amazing how many homes are wide open at ground level. Faulty locks and catches should be repaired or replaced immediately.

According to NRMA Insurance, NSW residents are far too relaxed when it comes to their home security, with 33 per cent admitting to leaving doors and windows unlocked when not home.*** The insurer estimated that home burglaries cost the NSW community in excess of $55 million last financial year.*****

Around the home

Take a good look around your home, and question whether your home encourages or deters a burglar? A high fence will certainly afford you privacy; however, it is a great cover for a thief at work. Trim back overgrown hedges, especially those near windows. Overgrown bushes and un-kempt trees can camouflage a burglar’s entry through a window. Consider investing in a good set of pruning sheers. Your doors and windows should be visible from the street.

Are there any instruments, tools or equipment lying around that could be used in an attempt to break into your home? Don’t risk it. Store them in a locked shed. Would-be robbers are looking for quick and easy access. Breaking into a shed to get the tools to break into the house is all too hard.

Never leave your key under a rock or some obscure hiding place in your front yard. Even the amateur burglar will know the popular hiding spots like doormats, meter boards and pot plants. According to AAMI Home Security Index, 2006, 14 per cent of Australians leave their house keys in obvious places, such as under doormats or pot plants at home entrances.

Outdoor lighting can discourage night burglars. These days there are a number of lighting products designed to secure your property. Pick from motion and noise activated sensors that light up when they sense or hear something, to a variety of garden lighting kits, front post lights that show up the path, and lights that outline the driveway. In-ground lights are very effective; they can help expose any burglars lurking in your back yard by lighting up the dark areas behind bushes and trees. If in doubt seek the advice of a good electrician or landscape gardener on how to best light your property.

Inside the home

Alarm your house with a visible alarm system. This is a very effective deterrent to an amateur thief. Make sure your system covers all entry points around your home. If you are renting, you can purchase a  portable alarm, which requires no installation.

Inside the home there are a few things you can do to limit what the burglar does take. Clearly marking your property is a good start. Property clearly marked with an identification code like your licence number is less likely to be stolen because the identification makes it harder to dispose of. You can also mark your valuables with an ultra-violet pen. Some councils and police stations will lend engraving pens.

Photograph everything and keep accurate records of what you own, including receipts, and make, model and serial numbers. This will come in handy should you have to make a claim.

Get into the habit of locking everything before you walk out the front door.

If you have smaller expensive items such as a laptop, jewellery or an iPod, make sure these are stored out of sight. There is little point tempting a burglar.
 

*    (source: 2006 AAMI Home Security Index)

**    www.insurancecouncil.com.au, NRMA Press Release

***     Research based on a survey of Australian households by Woolcott Research on behalf of NRMA Insurance

****    Based on NRMA Insurance claims data for the 2006/7 financial year. Figure extrapolated to provide an overall community cost.