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Holidays should be relaxing, but nothing ruins a post-getaway buzz like returning to a burgled home. Summer can be a prime time for burglaries and break-ins when homes are often unoccupied (and full of Christmas presents). Thieves tend to go for the easy win, so a few simple home security steps can help deter intruders, keep your property safe and decrease your chances of being a target.
Position home security cameras over your property’s key points of vulnerability. At the minimum, place cameras to cover the front and back doors, and garage. Then look for other potential entry points, such as ground floor windows or gates. Mount cameras out of reach, but low enough to ensure a good view. And watch out for bright light from sunlight, street lights or security lights, which can cause lens flare.
Sarica Malhotra of Swann says cameras should be easily spotted to help discourage intruders. “It serves as a visual warning to potential troublemakers, effectively dissuading thieves from even considering trespassing,” she says. “For an extra layer of security, I highly recommend the installation of Swann’s security signs and stickers. These visual cues enhance the deterrent effect, making it clear to any would-be intruders that your property is under active surveillance.”
Add imitation CCTV cameras into the mix to amp up your perceived security to potential burglars. “I would throw in a word of caution though: most troublemakers can easily identify imitation cameras, so make sure when you select one that it looks sturdy and convincing,” says Sarica.
Outdoor sensor lights can be an effective deterrent to criminals, shining a literal spotlight on potential burglars before they can get up to no good. The team at Arlec suggests using them to illuminate pathways to provide safe footing for your home’s residents and invited guests, but also to focus on dimly lit areas like backyard corners, alleys and driveways. They add, “Mount the lights at a height that prevents tampering but still provides effective coverage. Angle the lights downward to reduce glare and ensure the motion sensor can detect movement effectively.”
Before you buy security lights, there are several factors to consider, such as the range of light provided. “A longer range may be suitable for larger areas, while shorter ranges can minimise false activations,” says the Arlec team. Also look at the duration the light will stay on, energy-efficient features such as LED bulbs and dusk-to-dawn sensors (that only operate at night), and PIR sensors. “Motion-activated lights with passive infrared (PIR) sensors detect body heat and movement, reducing false triggers caused by animals or environmental factors,” says the Arlec team.
Door, window and driveway alarms can be an affordable and D.I.Y. part of your home security system. “They can alert you or a monitoring service if someone tries to enter your property through doors or windows, or if there’s movement in your driveway,” advises the Arlec team. “Remote monitoring capabilities, such as smartphone notifications, allow you to receive alerts and take appropriate action, like contacting authorities or neighbours, even when you’re not physically present.”
Even without remote monitoring, house alarm systems can be a handy deterrent. Maria Bennett, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia, says, “D.I.Y. alarm systems are useful both when a person is home to hear them, and when they’re not. If sound emitting alarm systems are triggered when the system is armed and activated, it alerts the intruder that they have been detected. This can cause the would-be burglar to leave the premises and can alert others in the locality – neighbours or police – to attend the premises.”
Smart technology brings added functionality to traditional home security equipment while potentially putting your mind at ease, as you can use your smartphone to monitor your property while you’re vacationing poolside or at the camping ground. With a huge range of smart tech available, you can start small and scale up your home security system as you like.
As well as smart cameras and alarms, smart video doorbell cameras are a useful tool, allowing you to not only monitor the front entrance, but also receive smartphone notifications and communicate with visitors. “When integrated with other smart devices, smart doorbell cameras can trigger lights, chimes and announcements to make it seem like someone is answering the door,” says the Arlec team. Adding a smart lock to your door means you can monitor movement, allow access to visitors while you’re away and check (and remotely lock) the door after they’ve gone.
An obviously unoccupied home is an easy target and burglars are wise to tricks like leaving a light permanently on. New technologies make it easier to fool thieves into thinking you’re in residence, with remote operation or timer functions available on everything from lights to TVs.
For outdoor areas, simulate the presence of a diligent gardener by putting watering systems on timers, and keep lawns low with a robotic lawnmower. Inside the home, smart lights can mimic your daily routines, smart blinds can be programmed to open and close, and smart TVs can be scheduled to switch on. “Smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Nest can be programmed to play music or simulate conversations at specific times,” adds the Arlec team.
Don’t underestimate the value of good neighbourly relations. Maria suggests, “Ask a neighbour to take bins out and bring bins in (as putting them out too early or leaving them out longer is a sign that no one is home); ask neighbours if they could park one of their cars in your driveway, so it looks like someone is in the house; and get someone to collect your mail regularly.” Overgrown grass and unruly gardens are a sure sign a house is empty – ask your neighbours to mow your verge when they do their own, or hire someone to tackle the lawns in your absence.
Make sure your neighbour has your phone number in case of emergencies, and if you can entrust them with a spare key, this is much safer than hiding one outside under a pot!
Top tip: Ask friends, family or neighbours to sweep your front steps and collect post while you’re away – piles of leaves and junk mail are sure signs a house is temporarily vacant.
Check out our guide to keeping your plants alive while you’re away on vacation.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
