When you’ve finally bought the home of your dreams in Sydney, the last thing on your mind is any potential threat to your safety.
But I’m going to play the Dad card here for a few minutes. Because I am a Dad, and when it comes to building a home that your family can live and grow in, I know what I’m talking about.
Your castle is not impervious to threats. I’m sorry to tarnish your home owning high, but it’s true. Wherever you live in Sydney, you need to be thinking about how you can improve and ensure the safety of your home, your belongings, and of course all the people who live in your home.
Sydney crime rate
Before we begin with my top tips for improving your house security, let’s start with some good news.
Sydney’s burglary rates are way, way down, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. In the quarterly report published in December 2015, the ABS reported that for a 24-month period:
- Unarmed robberies were down 19.3%
- Robberies with a firearm were down by 41.8%
I’m not going to get into the pros and cons of the Sydney lockout laws, but that’s quite a staggering improvement.
Nevertheless, there’s still a need for house security in this great city of ours.
House security is for nannas! I have more important things to pay for, Andrew.
I know, I know. Only old ladies check that the bars on their windows are secure and ensure that they’ve locked their door 5 times before they go to bed.
But when it comes to YOUR home, YOUR TV, YOUR computer, and YOUR family… it’s a big gamble to take if you rely on luck to keep you safe and secure. Don’t you agree?
Yes, it costs money to get a home alarm system installed, to buy security cameras, and to secure your windows with bars or blinds. And doesn’t all of that crime go on in King Cross, anyway?
What if the worst were to happen? What if you went on holiday, and you couldn’t afford to replace and repair your home after a burglary?
It’s a sobering thought. Read on.
House security is for smart people. Don’t be dumb!
Protecting your home isn’t as complicated as getting the Australian army to surveil your property. In fact, improving your house security could take just one weekend to complete. Here’s how.
Locks that… lock
Do all of your doors and windows have deadlocks? Do you remember to actually lock them? Many insurers won’t cover you if they find out you’re lax on the security part yourself. A lot of burglaries are purely opportunistic, so always lock your doors, sheds, garages and windows – even if you’re just ducking to your neighbour’s for 5 minutes.
Security cameras – not just for the secret service
If you’re in a high-risk area of Sydney and your home and contents are worth the extra security investment, you might want to consider the value of getting security cameras installed. Security cameras are a great way to boost your feeling of safety, not to mention deterring thieves. The level of security you’ll need is entirely up to you. Harvey Norman and Dick Smith both have a range of wireless security cameras that can be viewed from compatible devices. It makes monitoring your own home easy, and prices start from as little as $200.
House alarms
Just like with security cameras, getting a house alarm installed means the difference between DIY security or engaging with a security company to do the hard work for you. Both are great options for improving your house security, but it all depends on the level of security you need, and of course, what you can afford. Companies like ADT and Chubb will provide 24-hour support, and they’ll also be able to assess the best way to secure your home. But a DIY house alarm that provides basic motion detection and an alarm can be found at most electronic stores.
Catch ‘em red handed with motion lighting
Floodlights will alert you if there’s movement outside your home, and can deter thieves. You don’t have to go out and buy big, serious spotlights. Pay a trip to Bunnings and make sure you think about the back and sides of your property too.
Be a friend to make a friend
There are a few things that tip off burglars that no one is home – bins not out, and a whole heap of mail nesting in the letterbox, for starters. When you’re off on holidays, ask your neighbours if they can collect your mail and take your bins out (even if there’s nothing in them!). That way, you won’t be tipping off potential thieves to the vacancy of your home.
Keep it under lock and key
For the sake of all of your heirlooms, expensive gadgets or sentimental keepsakes, get a safe installed and use it when you’re away for longer periods of time. According to the ABS Crime Victimisation Survey of 2009-10, money and jewellery are the number one items stolen during a burglary. Installing a small safe in your home is a relatively low cost way to keep your favourite belongings safe.
Protect your biggest investment with home and contents insurance
Your house is arguably the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. Just like you pay insurance to cover your health, home and contents insurance is essential for protecting the livelihood of your family, and safeguarding your belongings.
Don’t leave safety to chance
You might think you’re being paranoid, or that you’re turning into your mum or dad. If you’re unsure about the value of securing your home in Sydney, ask yourself this: what’s the worst that could happen if I do take steps to secure my home?
If you’ve got an answer for me, I’d love to hear it!