Industry Insights

Key Tips for Better Home Security for Aussie Homes

Written by Bettina Diaz | Oct 15, 2024 2:52:52 PM

(Image source: Deposit Photos)

Home security has become a top priority for many Australians, especially as we spend more time at home and look for ways to keep our properties safe. Whether you live in a bustling suburb, a quiet country town, or somewhere in between, the safety of your home and loved ones is paramount. The good news is that there are many ways to secure your home, from simple fixes to more advanced solutions.

This page will guide you through the basics of home security for Australian homes. We'll cover practical steps to protect your property and belongings, and help you navigate the choices available in the marketplace.

As this is a general guide, we’ll leave room for further details in industry-specific sub-articles, such as locksmith services, security alarm installation, cybersecurity, fencing options, and more.

1. Assess Your Current Home Security

The first step in improving your home security is understanding where you currently stand. Take a walk around your home—inside and out—and try to identify any vulnerabilities. Ask yourself:

  • Are there any weak points in doors or windows?
  • Is the area around your home well-lit at night?
  • Do you have any outdated locks that might need replacing?
  • How visible is your property to passers-by? Could it attract unwanted attention?

Identifying these issues is the foundation for deciding which security measures to prioritise. It’s not always about high-tech solutions—sometimes, the simplest improvements, like better lighting or stronger locks, can make a world of difference.

2. Strengthen Your Entry Points

Your doors and windows are the most common entry points for intruders. Ensuring they’re properly secured is crucial to maintaining the safety of your home.

Doors

Start by assessing the strength of your doors. Solid timber, steel-reinforced, or fibreglass doors are far stronger than hollow-core doors. Ensure that all exterior doors have deadbolts installed—this is non-negotiable under Australian security standards. Deadlocks provide an added layer of protection, especially when combined with smart locks that can be controlled remotely.

For added security, consider installing a security screen door. This allows you to open your main door while still keeping your home secure, letting in fresh air without compromising safety.

Windows

Windows are another common point of entry for burglars, particularly those on the ground floor. Check that all windows have functional locks—especially sliding windows, which can be easily jimmied open if not properly secured. Window security screens are an excellent investment, particularly for homes with children, as they not only prevent break-ins but also offer an extra layer of safety.

In bushfire-prone areas, security screens with stainless steel mesh may also provide some protection against ember attacks, helping to secure your home from more than just human threats.

3. Improve Your Home’s Visibility

Intruders often target homes where they can operate unseen. Ensuring that your property is well-lit and visible to neighbours and passers-by can be a major deterrent. Here's how to improve your home's visibility.

Outdoor Lighting

Motion-sensor lighting is an affordable and effective way to illuminate dark areas around your home, such as the driveway, garden, or back entrance. The sudden appearance of light is usually enough to startle potential intruders, making them think twice before approaching your home.

Solar-powered lights are also a great option for the more environmentally conscious, providing security lighting without increasing your energy bills.

Landscaping

Your garden and landscaping can also impact home security. Large bushes or hedges, particularly those near windows or doors, can provide hiding spots for burglars. While you want your garden to look great, it’s wise to trim back any overgrown plants or bushes that might obscure views of entry points.

Fencing is another consideration. A sturdy fence with a lockable gate can deter intruders. Just remember, though, that fences should be tall enough to provide security, but not so high that they block neighbours’ views—natural surveillance can be a powerful deterrent.

4. Install a Home Security System

A professionally installed home security system can add significant peace of mind. In Australia, there are many options available, from basic alarm systems to more advanced setups that include cameras, motion detectors, and remote monitoring.

When selecting a security system, think about your needs and your budget. Wireless systems, for example, are easier to install and can be controlled via your smartphone, but they may require regular battery changes. Hardwired systems, on the other hand, are more robust but typically require professional installation.

Security cameras are a key component of modern security systems. They not only help monitor activity around your home but can also provide crucial evidence if a crime does occur. Choose cameras with high-resolution video, night vision, and wide-angle lenses for the best coverage.

It’s important to note that, under Australian law, you need to inform others if you have security cameras on your property. Signage indicating that CCTV is in use can also act as a deterrent.

5. Secure Your Garage and Sheds

Garages and sheds often house valuable items like tools, bicycles, and vehicles, which can be targets for thieves. They also tend to be weaker points in your home’s overall security, particularly if they’re detached from the main building.

Ensure that your garage door has a sturdy lock and consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener that can be monitored remotely. If your shed stores expensive equipment, invest in a heavy-duty padlock and reinforce the shed’s walls and doors if necessary.

6. Use Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular in Australia and can help boost your home security without the need for constant manual checks. A few examples include:

  • Smart locks: Allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely.
  • Smart doorbells: Equipped with cameras and two-way communication, enabling you to see and speak with visitors even when you’re not home.
  • Smart lighting: Lets you control indoor and outdoor lights from your smartphone, giving the illusion that someone is home even when the house is empty.

When selecting smart home devices, ensure they comply with Australian standards and are compatible with your current systems.

7. Don’t Forget About Cybersecurity

With the rise of smart home devices, it’s not just physical security that homeowners need to worry about—cybersecurity is equally important. Make sure that all devices connected to your home network are secure, using strong passwords and regularly updating the firmware.

Many devices come with default passwords that are easy to hack, so be sure to change these during installation. Additionally, setting up a separate network for your smart devices can protect your home’s main Wi-Fi from potential intrusions.

Improving your home’s security is an ongoing process, but by taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your home, family, and valuables. Whether you opt for simple upgrades like better lighting and locks or go all out with a full security system, the peace of mind is well worth the effort.