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Home Safety - Burglary Prevention

You can dramatically reduce the chances of your home being burgled with some common sense and the installation of simple effective security measures such as deadlocks, window locks and security grills.

Is your home at risk?

  • Are all doors and windows equipped with adequate locks?
  • Are gates kept locked?
  • Are shrubs trimmed to eliminate hiding places?
  • Do you have security sensor lights on the exterior of your home?
  • Is there a peephole in your main door?
  • Do you have a security alarm?

With every question you answer as a yes your home becomes more burglar proof.  A safety audit of your home can identify areas where security can be improved.  Click here for a practical do-it-yourself safety audit for your home. 

Taking action

The City of Melville encourages local residents and visitors to be aware of home security at all times, and to take steps to avoid being an easy target for thieves. 

Protect your home

When leaving your home, ask yourself “Does it look like the house is empty?”  Consider following these tips:

  • Lock up – did you know at least half the time, burglars climb through an open window or walk through an unlocked door?  Make it tough for burglars by installing deadlocks and window locks.
  • Make it look like you’re home – consider using electronic timing devices that turn the TV, radio or lights on and off at selected times when you are not home.
  • Keep your rubbish in the bin – large boxes left on the curb or sticking out of your wheelie bin tell burglars that you have bought new goods such as a DVD or CD player.
  • Light up – burglars don’t want to be caught in the act so install a motion-activated light to deter them.  Keep trees trimmed and shrubs low.
  • Mark your property – marking your goods makes it easier for you to identify and recover your property – it also makes it much harder for burglars to resell stolen goods.
  • Lock up your shed, garage and letter box – don’t let a burglar steal your tools or use them to break into your house.  Make sure your letter box is locked to prevent mail from being stolen.
  • Consider getting a dog – barking dogs warn people that something is wrong. 
  • Install a burglar alarm – make sure your alarm is easy to see from the street, is loud and that it immediately sends a signal to a security service or yourself.