Burglary

There are some relatively simple ways that you can protect your home from burglary.

Locks and Alarms

An alarm can make an effective contribution to your home security but should be used with other security measures such as door deadlocks and exterior lighting.

You will get extra protection if your alarm is monitored by a security firm who can dispatch security personnel to your home should the alarm detect someone in your home.

• Have a key operated deadlock with a 2cm throw bolt installed to minimise the likelihood of a burglar smashing through your exterior doors.
• Don't neglect other exterior doors such as the laundry door - burglars aren't restricted to just going through the front door.

• Ensure that your windows have the appropriate locks for their type fitted.

For more information, check out RAC Security.

Don't Make Your Home a Target

Ways to minimise your home as a target for burglars:

• Always lock you doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a minute - that is all the time a burglar needs to get into your home.
• Don't leave notes on your door indicating you are out and when you will return.
• Always lock your shed and side-gate.
• Lock up your meter box to prevent burglars tampering with your power supply or security lights.
• Garage doors should always be closed and locked to ensure a burglar cannot steal your equipment - or use your equipment to break into your house.
• Don't ignore windows or side access doors to your garage as security risks.
• Consider security screens or burglary rated glazing for exterior doors that have glass windows or glass panelling nearby.

Keys

• If you have moved into a new home, or you have lost your keys, have the locks re-keyed so you know exactly who has keys to your home.
• Have all locks re-keyed to the one key so that they can be locked and unlocked easily.
• Never leave a spare key in obvious hiding places.
• Never leave your name, vehicle registration number or address on any keys.

Landscaping

• Minimise potential hiding spots for burglars - regularly prune bushes and shrubs.
• If you have a second storey, or live in an apartment block, ensure that trees are pruned so burglars can't climb them to access your home.
• You can plant thorny bushes such as roses under windows to further discourage burglars.

Lighting

• Doors, windows and pathways should be lighted - a motion sensor light is ideal.

Prepare for an Emergency

• Make sure that your house number is visible from the street to help the police and other emergency personnel find your house easily if they need to.

Telephones

• Ensure that your answering service does not say that you are not at home - some burglars call first before they pay you a visit.

Going On Holidays

• If you are going on holiday, ask a trusted neighbour or friend keep an eye on your home.
• Have them clear your mailbox and put out your bin on collection day (even if it is empty) so it looks like you are home.
• Suspend milk and newspaper deliveries.
• Install timers to turn on lights and the TV.

Don't Reward Burglars

Precautions

• Never leave jewellery or cash where it can be easily found.
• Never leave large amounts of cash in your home.
• Always ensure that you have adequate home contents insurance.
• Keep a list of all your CDs, DVDs and other collectible items as well as the serial numbers of all electrical goods. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Take photographs of expensive items such as jewellery to aid in identification. When taking a photo of something, place a coin, ruler or matchstick in the picture to provide an idea of the size of your items.
• Never leave empty boxes on your verge advertising to burglars that you have bought a new stereo, computer or TV. Always cut the boxes and put them in the recycling bin.

Property Marking

• Items should also be engraved with your Drivers Licence number - the letters WADL (Western Australian Drivers Licence) should precede your number for example WADL1234567. Stickers informing would be burglars that your property is marked can be found at all police stations and should be positioned on all exterior windows.
• Marking your property may be an effective way of both deterring burglary.

Disclaimer
This information is provided by Royal Automobile Club (WA) Inc (RAC) voluntarily as a public service. It has been prepared in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. Nonetheless, the reliability and accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed and the RAC expressly disclaims liability for any act or omission done or not done in reliance on the information and for any consequences, whether direct or indirect, arising from such act or omission. This information is intended to be a guide only and readers should obtain their own independent advice and their own necessary inquiries.