Home Security Assessment

Most break-ins in Australia are opportunistic. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, a significant proportion of home burglaries involve unlocked doors and windows or basic locks that can be bypassed in seconds. Simple upgrades like fitting deadbolts, installing keyed window locks, and adding motion-sensor lighting can dramatically reduce your risk.

Front door security is the single most important factor. A quality deadbolt paired with a security screen door creates two layers of protection that most intruders will not bother attempting. If your locks are more than ten years old, they may not meet current Australian standards — a licensed locksmith can assess whether rekeying or replacement is the better option.

Garages and sheds are often overlooked entry points. Tools stored in an unlocked shed can even be used to break into the main house. A quality padlock on your shed and a deadbolt on the internal garage door are inexpensive precautions that close off common weak spots.

Key management is another area where many homeowners fall short. Hiding a spare key under a doormat or in a pot plant is one of the first places a burglar will check. A wall-mounted key safe or leaving a spare with a trusted neighbour are far more secure alternatives. And if you have moved into a new property, changing the locks should be your first priority — you have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys are in circulation.