Be smarter, make it harder

Victoria Police have shared some handy advice on keeping your property safe, after a spike in theft.

– Install good quality deadlocks on external doors. Remember to unlock the deadlock when you are inside, so you can get out if there is a fire.
– Install locks on garages and sheds, and lock all windows and doors, even when you’re at home. Unlocked garage direct access, side and rear doors are the most common entry points for thieves.
– Install security screen doors, and lock your mailbox to protect against mail thieves.
– Place dowel in window track of sliding windows, and consider installing CCTV, alarms, and sensor lighting.
– Never leave valuables in the car, and lock your car when parked in the garage. Always store car keys and other valuables out of view from external doors and windows
– Leave a spare key with trusted family or friends – never hide them in your car or around your property.
– Turn off the power point to the garage door when leaving home for extended periods, also consider padlocking the door.
– Install a safe to store valuables in, and keep rubbish bins, ladders and tools locked away so thieves can’t use them to access to your home.
– Back up computer data, and install a “find my” application on devices such as phones, computers and tablets to make locating them easier. Installing GPS trackers/tags is also useful on larger items such as cars, motorbikes, quadbikes, and farm machinery.
– Record serial numbers and photograph valuable items, and when you buy new items, don’t leave boxes on the nature strip to let thieves know what you have inside.

Finally, make sure your home and contents are insured, and register your details on Absence of Residence when you are going away on holidays.

For more tips on keeping your property secure visit www.police.vic.gov.au.