Melbourne prides itself on its livability, cultural attractions, and varied suburbs. From the picturesque east to the quaint workers’ cottages in the north, Melbourne offers a very special way of life. But living in such an enviable place demands that you take no chances. Home security is not about living in fear but rather about making practical efforts to ensure that your sanctuary remains secure. As our suburbs change and our homes become more crowded, knowing how to do this effectively becomes part of the ownership package.

Understanding the Local Landscape

Crime in Victoria tends to be opportunistic rather than premeditated. Criminals look for soft targets – homes with easy access and those that look unoccupied. Understanding these risks in our local landscape is the first step to making our homes more secure.

In Melbourne homes, particularly those with weatherboard or renovated homes with bi-fold doors, the back of the house tends to be an easy target. The laneways that are common in our inner-city suburbs are another area of concern. Understanding these specific risks in your own home allows you to tackle them directly.

Building Strong Habits and Community Ties

Before investing in expensive security systems, think about the human component of security. Your neighbours are often your greatest defence. The more cohesive your neighbourhood, the better your security. A neighbourhood where everyone knows everyone else is hard to beat  – and it’s free!

Your routine also plays a huge part in keeping your home secure. It is surprisingly common for burglars to gain access to properties through unlocked doors or windows. Getting into the habit of always locking up when you leave the house, even if you are just popping to the shops, removes the easiest point of entry for an unwanted visitor. Another easy way to alert potential burglars that you are away is an overflowing mailbox. If you are going away, consider asking a neighbour to collect your mail or put a hold on it.

Physical Security Essentials

The physical barrier of your house must be strong. High-quality locks are essential, and deadlocks on all exterior doors make it much harder for an unwanted person to gain access to your property. Another vulnerable point of entry is your windows, so make sure you have installed key-operated locks on these areas of vulnerability. 

If you have a sliding door, installing a timber dowel into the track of the door makes it impossible to lift the door off its rails or gain access in this way. Security screens on doors allow you to enjoy the Melbourne breeze without compromising safety, providing an added deterrent against unwanted visitors.

Managing Your Garden and Perimeter

Your garden should enhance the look of your home, not hide someone who is trying to get in. Hedges that are overgrown, along with high fences at the front of your property, can provide privacy, but they can also provide a thief with a place to hide from view. The idea is to have a line of sight from the street to your front door. Make sure your shrubbery is trimmed, and your gates are locked. If you have side access, it should be locked behind a gate to prevent someone from getting to the back, which is more vulnerable to entry.

Lighting and Technology

Thieves are thieves because they thrive in darkness. Strategic lighting removes this advantage. Motion sensor lights are especially useful if installed near doorways and alongside side paths. The sudden flash of light may startle an intruder and also bring them to your attention.

If you want to take it to the next level with a degree of modern technology, then technology has much to offer. A visible alarm system box on the front of your home sends a message to potential thieves that your home is under surveillance. Modern smart security cameras and CCTV for homes in Melbourne are no longer expensive or difficult to obtain. Being able to view a live feed of your home on your smartphone from work in the CBD or on vacation in Bali provides enormous peace of mind.

Creating a Safety Plan

Making your home secure involves combining all of these options to create a safety plan. It’s about making it difficult for an intruder to get into your home. It’s about making it not worth their while. Take the time this weekend to walk around your home, view it from an intruder’s perspective, and then make those essential improvements.