Home Security Checklist

Reduce your risk of burglary and crime

It’s sad but true – we’re at far more at risk of having our homes burgled today than we were ten years ago.

And it’s not just in Marsden Park – across Australia, break-ins are increasing and families are suffering.

But statistics show that if you have security measures in place to make break-ins difficult, in many cases the burglars will give up and try another home.

Work through each question in the checklist below. If you answer ‘no’ to any of them, we recommend you take the actions we’ve outlined below to increase the security of your home.


1.	Do you have a visible street number on your home?	Y	N
2.	Is this visible from the road?	Y	N
3.	Are there warning signs? For example; warning of video surveillance.	Y	N
4.	Are premise gates/ fences secure? Can these be secured if necessary?	Y	N
5.	Are there adequate lights installed around the perimeter?	Y	N
6.	Are all doors into the home surrounded by lighting?	Y	N
7.	Does the letter box have a lock?	Y	N
8.	Does the electricity box have a lock?	Y	N
9.	Are garage/ shed fitted with locks? Do these locks work?	Y	N
10.	Are locks on garage/ shed adequate security for what is kept inside?	Y	N
11.	Are doors solid core?	Y	N
12.	Are locks on doors good quality, and have deadlocks that are they in working order?	Y	N
13.	Are there security doors installed on home?	Y	N
14.	Do sliding doors have secondary locks installed for extra security?	Y	N
15.	Do windows have locks?	Y	N
16.	Are unused windows permanently closed & secured?	Y	N
17.	Are permanently keys left in locks?	Y	N
18.	Are spare keys hidden on the premise?	Y	N

Actions to increase your home security

Street numbers: It’s recommended that street numbers are big enough that they are visible from the road and clearly visible at night. A street number that is not visible will hinder emergency services if there is ever a need to locate your home.
Warning signs should be displayed around the home where applicable. For example; prosecution signs where those who trespass intend to be prosecuted, or warning of video surveillance signs where video surveillance is present.
Gate locks: Gates/fences are prime access restrictors to your property. Locks on gates should be used where necessary to ensure access to your backyard is limited. Gates/fences/locks need regular maintenance to keep their effectiveness.
Adequate lighting is effective at keeping your home secure. If your home is well lit in the dark, thieves are more likely to be seen. Be sure to have extra lighting around doors into the home.
Letterbox and electricity box locks: Letter and electricity boxes should have appropriate locks to ensure access is restricted. Remember that locks on electricity boxes need to comply with your electricity provider’s requirements to ensure they remain accessible for the provider.
Garage and shed locks: Locks on garage and shed access doors should be in working order to minimise the chance of burglary. These locks should be adequate security for what’s kept inside. Secondary locks can be installed when there are items of value kept in these areas (such as a padlock and hasp and staple installed).
Solid core doors: External access doors to the home should be solid core to minimise the chances of break and enter occurring.
Door locks: All locks on doors should be of good quality and in working order. Locks on external doors are the primary access restrictors to the home.
Entryways: All entryways have a working entry lock and a sturdy deadbolt lock installed to the door frame.
Security screen doors: Installation of security screen doors will increase the security of the home, making access harder.
Sliding door lock bolts: Installation of lock bolts on sliding doors will also increase the security of the home by making access more difficult.
Window locks: All windows should have locks to increase the security of the home. And remember that windows not in use should be permanently locked, making access to the home harder.
Secure your keys: Leaving keys in locks makes exit of the house easier once a burglar has entered. The same is true with window locks – keys left in a window lock can increase the risk of break and enter occurring. An intruder can break the window to then unlock and open with the key.
Spare keys: Are kept with a trusted neighbour, not under a doormat, hidden in a plant pot or in the mailbox.
Outdoor security: Bushes are trimmed so there is nowhere to hide. Lights are installed so there are no dark areas around the house, garage, shed or yard.
When travelling: Activate your alarm. Ask a neighbour to collect yur mail and newspapers. If an extended period, organise for a gardener, friend or family member to mow the lawn.