The facts about the burglary
epidemic that’s sweeping Australia.
The rate of burglaries committed in Australia in the
last few years is at an alarming level.
The cold hard facts and figures are enough to give
any householder a chill. The number of robberies
committed on Australian residential properties in
1999 was estimated by the Australian Bureau of
Statistics to be over 220,000. That's one every two
Minutes
Light your house up with movement activated lights
above entrance doors, in the carport and along
pathways.
If you’re away:
1. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the house.
2. Lock the house, garage and shed.
3. Don’t leave ladders and tools lying around.
4. Cancel milk and papers.
5. Don’t leave notes on the door.
6. Hang some washing on the line to give a
lived in look.
7. Re-direct mail and ask a neighbour to clear the box
of circulars, leaflets, etc.
Who’s committing these robberies?
These days, most household burglaries are
committed by a new type of criminal. They are
young, unemployed and very often supporting some
sort of drug habit. They are, in a sense, “amateur”
burglars.
Only about 15% of intruders are hard-core
“professionals” with the skill and equipment to break
into any home or property they want to.
Therefore it makes good sense to take simple
precautions to foil this majority of “amateur”
burglars. Properly fitted “dead-locks” on doors and
keyed security locks on windows are enough to turn
away most thieves. Even a “professional” may move
on, rather than spend too much time breaking in.
The best deterrent is being prepared.
Make it difficult to get in.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
• Install deadlocks on all external doors.
• Change locks or cylinders when you move into a
new home.
• Never give keys to a workman.
• Install key operated window locks.
• Have good exterior lighting under eaves.
• Don’t leave tools in unlocked toolshed - padlock it.
General precautions.
• Photograph your paintings, antiques and other
valuables.
• Don’t let unauthorised people in.
• Make a note of the serial number of all your
appliances.
• Have valuables engraved with your driver’s licence
number.
• Don’t put identification on a key ring.
• Never leave notes on your door.
• Install a door viewer to check unexpected visitors.
If you’re out, or away.
• Leave outside lights on at night.
• Arrange curtains and blinds in normal open and
closed positions.
• Ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your
house.
• Shut your garage door and padlock it.
• Advise local police if you will be away for any
length of time.
• Ask a neighbour to clear your letter box regularly.
• Cancel newspapers, milk, etc.
