Secure the property - Key crime prevention tips

Burglary prevention information

Take steps to secure your home and valuables from potential theft.

Secure the property

Keep your house and property boundary physically secure.

• Lock all doors including:
  • the internal and external garage doors
  • windows
  • gates
  • sheds
  • pet doors
  • skylights
  • other access points.
• Lock your mailbox.
• Remove any spare keys hidden outside your home. Do not leave keys in window locks.
• Install deadlocks on all external doors and windows. Remember to unlock the deadlock when you are inside, so you can get out if there is a fire.
• Install a peephole (door viewer) to see who is at the door.
• Install a security screen door, monitored alarm system, cameras, and sensor lighting.
• Do not leave items at the door.
• Leave out a dog bowl or lead, even if you do not have a dog.
• If someone knocks on the door, make a noise to show you are inside.

Secure valuables

Be aware of how you bring new valuables into the home, and keep them safe.

• Install a safe to store valuables.
• Install GPS trackers/tags on vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, and quad bikes.
• Keep tools and ladders locked away so thieves can't use them to access your home.
• Backup computer data.
• Install a 'find my' application on devices such as phones, computers and tablets.
• Keep valuables away from windows.
• Record serial/model numbers and photograph any valuable items.
• Mark your valuables with 'V' followed by your driver's licence number i.e. V123456.
• When you buy new items, don't leave boxes on the nature strip. This lets thieves know what you have inside.

Make it look like someone is home when you are out or away

Take steps to ensure that your house seems occupied, even when you are away.

• Cancel any newspaper subscriptions.
• Ask a neighbour or friend to:
  • collect your mail (including junk mail), or have your mail diverted
  • take out and bring in your bins
  • occasionally park their car in your driveway
  • mow your lawns and maintain your garden.
• Set timers to turn on lights, the radio, and/or TV at appropriate times. Consider varying the time these turn on and off.
• Install a video doorbell to remotely interact with someone who rings the doorbell.
• Do not advertise your holiday plans online. Do not upload holiday photos until after your return.
• Consider getting a house-sitter.
• Turn down the volume on your telephone so thieves cannot hear it ringing.

Make it harder for thieves to get in without being seen

Keep the boundary of your home clear of clutter.

• Make sure your house is visible from the street.
• Cut overhanging branches and trim shrubs back to make it harder for thieves to hide.

Other things you can do

Get to know your neighbours and the local organisations that can support you.

• If you are going away, register your absence from residence on the Service Victoria website.
• Make it easy for police to find your house by making your house number easily visible from the street.
• Get to know your neighbours. They may recognise unusual activity when you're out.
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch group.