How to prepare for theft

Lower your risk of theft by securing your home and car

Thefts involving homes and cars are the most common types of crime

Unfortunately, the risk of theft still exists in the aftermath of extreme weather events, when homes and neighbourhoods have been evacuated. But you can help lower the risk of a break and enter by securing your home and car.

Security

• Install and use locks on your doors and windows.
• Install and use a monitored alarm system.
• Don’t leave spare keys under doormats, in shoes or other obvious places.
• Keep cash and valuables hidden securely away.
• Mark your valuables using the Property Identification System.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back to reduce hiding places.
• Install motion sensor lighting to help attract attention to movement around your house.
• Leave a light or radio on when you go out to help your house look ‘lived in’.
• Arrange for someone to clear your letterbox when you go away.
• Arrange for someone to put out and bring in your bins when required.
• Lock your electricity meter box. You can buy a lock from your energy provider that allows them to access it for readings.
• Always wind up the windows of your car.
• Park in well-lit or secure car parks when possible.

Be vigilant

• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch or read their regular newsletters to keep across activity in your area.
• Get to know your neighbours. Exchange numbers and keep an eye on each other’s homes.
• Even when you’re at home, keep doors and windows locked. It is common for burglaries to occur while someone is at home.
• Do reference checks on professionals coming into your home (e.g. cleaners, gardeners).

Visit the Queensland Police Service website for more on crime prevention.