New research finds 65 per cent of Australians are now ‘security conscious’; 58 per cent feel ‘crime is a growing problem in my community’; 45 per cent feel ‘less safe’ than they used to and 61 per cent believe the ‘fundamental values of our society are under threat’, according to Roy Morgan research.
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Rates of home robberies are at their highest in six years, according to latest statistics, yet Australians appear to have a lax attitude towards home security, with about 40 per cent admitting to leaving a spare key out.
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures also show motor vehicle thefts are at their highest since 2012, after rising for consecutive years. Cars are most likely to be stolen from outbuildings or residential land such as garages, driveways or carports.
The findings, commissioned by Google’s home security sister company Nest and carried out by market research firm YouGov, show one in three Australians do not lock their doors or windows and one in four believes their home is not secure and burglary is definitely on the cards.
But coming home from an outing or a holiday to find your home has been burgled isn’t a pleasant experience.
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You will probably feel unsafe in your own home for quite a while and will probably consider upgrading your home security.
Security industry statistics said hardware and electronics, including CCTV and installation, is a billion dollar industry.
Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) has these tips for homeowners:
- Home security safe - keep your valuables safe rather than lying around for prying eyes to see
- Alarm system - it is an extra deterrent
- Install sensor lights - at night time you are the most vulnerable so these lights will help
- Always lock the front door - even if you pop out to visit a neighbour or work in the garage downstairs, lock your door. It’s amazing how many people will come to the door and even try to open it
- Don’t leave keys lying around - keep spare keys well hidden
Don’t advertise when going away - don’t suddenly close the blinds and windows all day and night. This applies to social media as well such as announcing you are going on holiday for a few weeks might catch unwanted attention.
The cost of a security system has come down over recent years so night vision, several cameras, motion detectors and a TV monitor can cost less than $2,000. Some homeowners even install the security system themselves.
You have to be careful with security cameras, especially if they show part of the neighbours’ house or yard, as neighbours believe that this is invading their privacy.
