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Burglary

You can fight back and take away the opportunity of crime. The two most effective methods of preventing burglary are:

• maximising visual deterrents to offenders
• securing your premises

In many domestic burglaries reported to police, the offender gained entry through an unlocked door or window.

How you can protect your home

Here are some suggestions to make your home safer and more secure. Remember most burglars are opportunists, so don't give them the opportunity.

• When leaving your home, ask yourself, "Does it look like the house is empty?" If it does, do something about it.
• At night, leave on inside lights, which you would normally leave on if you, were at home. A house in darkness is a prime target for a burglar.
• Consider using electronic timing devices that turn the TV, radio or lights on and off at selected times.
• Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home, particularly if you're going on holidays, and to report any unusual activity to the police.
• Become involved in Neighbourhood Watch.
• Lock all doors and windows when leaving.
• Activate alarm systems.
• Consider installing movement-activated external floodlights.
• Don't leave blinds or curtains closed - it makes the house look empty.
• Key operated locks for doors with glass panels are essential.
• Make windows more secure by fitting locks, safety film, security screens or external roller shutters.
• Identify your property with your motor driver's licence number (eg.WA/NSW/VIC/SA/ACT 1234567) by using engravers supplied free through Neighbourhood Watch.
• Photograph and record serial numbers of all valuable property and keep this information in a safe place.

What to do if your home has been broken into

Coming home to find your front door has been forced open, or a window screen removed, is a moment all home owners dread. The temptation is to run in and see what's been damaged or stolen, but in reality, that's the last thing you should do.

• Don't enter your house, as the offender may still be inside.
• Call the police from your mobile, a neighbour's phone or the nearest phone box.
• Don't touch any smooth surfaces, which may have the offender's fingerprints on them.
• If it is obvious that no-one is in the house, start making a list of all stolen property. Have the list available for the police when they attend.
• Visit your neighbours, either side and opposite your home, while waiting for police when they attend.
• Visit your neighbours, either side and opposite your home, while waiting for police to attend. They may have seen someone suspicious. Pass any information to the police.

Remember that prevention is better than cure. Secure your home and avoid becoming a victim.

How to reduce the chances of your home being burgled

Home burglary is on the increase. Staggering numbers are reported annually. That's the bad news.

Here's the good news. With some common sense and by installing simple effective security measures such as deadlocks, window locks and security grilles, you can dramatically reduce the chances of your home being burgled.