Security Tips
Going on holiday and leaving your home vacant? Some or all of these security tips may well be worth implementing even if you’re not going away!
- Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbour instead of hiding a spare key that could be found. 
- Do not leave spare keys or car keys readily available inside the house. 
- Consider installing motion-activated lighting around your home. 
- It is best to lock up any tools in a shed. 
- If you like pets, then dogs can be your best burglar alarm. If not, a 'beware of the dog' sign may still deter a burglar. 
- If you have unique items of jewellery and other collectables, consider a portable and concealable hide-away safe, available in a variety of sizes. 
- If you purchase expensive electrical appliances, cut the boxes into pieces before recycling because boxes left on the nature strip can let burglars know what is new in your home. 
- Back-up computer hard drives and keep these copies in a different location to prevent the loss of information on your computer. 
- Mark your property using ultra-violet markers or an engraver e.g. write ‘NSW’ followed by your drivers license number. Marked property is much harder for burglars to resell. 
- Let a trustworthy neighbour know if you are going away on holiday 
- Don't discuss your holiday plans in a public place 
- Don't leave gardening tools or ladders around the perimeter of your house 
- Ensure your home has adequate security signage 
- Cancel your paper delivery 
- Clear any bushes or shrubs that may provide a concealed entrance 
- Consider putting timers on lights, TV and the radio 

