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Burglars Targeting Homes During Vacations: Valuables at Risk During Your Holiday

Homes become prime targets for burglars during vacations, revealing the items burglars seek when they intrude and strategies to secure your property.

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3 min read
Home burglars targeting valuables when residents are away on vacation
Home burglars targeting valuables when residents are away on vacation

Burglars Targeting Homes During Vacations: Valuables at Risk During Your Holiday

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing for time away from home. However, this can also make our homes more vulnerable to burglaries and thefts. In the year ending 30 June 2024, residential burglary offences in Victoria increased by almost 9%, with a total of 26,817 burglaries and break-and-enter offences [1]. In this article, we'll explore general home security measures, protecting specific valuables, online shopping security, and additional recommendations to help you secure your home during your absence.

General Home Security Measures

  1. Lock all doors and windows completely: Even for short absences, ensure all doors and windows are locked securely. Tilted windows are considered open and vulnerable. Avoid leaving keys hidden outdoors, as burglars often know common hiding spots [1][3].
  2. Install mechanical locking devices: For added physical security, consider installing fuses on windows and doors, or investing in burglar alarms or monitored alarm systems [1][4].
  3. Use steel security doors: Install steel security doors on all entrances to deter intruders. Motion-activated exterior lighting can also help eliminate dark hiding spots and create immediate visibility [5].
  4. Avoid visible signs of absence: Avoid leaving messages on answering machines or posting on social media that reveal you're away. This denies burglars obvious opportunities [1][4].
  5. Vary your daily routines: Strategically vary your daily routines and avoid geotagging or location sharing to reduce the chance of being targeted [4].

Protecting Specific Valuables at Home

  1. Cash and documents: Store cash and sensitive documents in a secure safe rather than leaving them out or in easily accessible places.
  2. Jewellery, electronics, and tools: Lock these items in a safe or secure lockable cabinet. Avoid common hiding places; document serial numbers and keep an inventory [4].
  3. Cars: Park vehicles in locked garages when possible. Use steering wheel locks or alarm systems as additional layers of protection [4].

Online Shopping Security

  1. Avoid unattended packages: Arrange to receive deliveries in person, use secure parcel lockers, or have packages sent to a secure location such as a workplace or a trusted neighbour’s home [2].
  2. Protect online shopping accounts: Update all passwords, use unique passwords for different accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication to prevent cyber theft and data breaches [2][4].
  3. Be cautious of phishing scams: Ensure devices have up-to-date security software when entering payment information online [2].

Additional Recommendations

  1. Install outdoor security cameras: Monitor entrances and vulnerable points around the home with outdoor security cameras [3].
  2. Establish an emergency contact list: Include local law enforcement and security professionals [4].
  3. Teach family members: Teach family members to recognize suspicious behavior, practice safe online habits, and follow emergency plans [4].

By combining these physical, digital, and behavioral security steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and theft during the holiday season for cash, documents, cars, electronics, jewellery, tools, and online purchases.

For a more personalized approach, consider taking the "How Safe Is My Place?" quiz to learn about where your home might be vulnerable to crime and generate a report with security tips tailored to your home [6].

Remember, a secure home is a happy home. Take the necessary precautions to ensure your peace of mind during your holiday season.

References:

[1] Victoria Police (2024). Crime Statistics Agency. Retrieved from https://www.police.vic.gov.au/about-us/statistics-reports [2] Victorian Government (2024). Stay Smart Online. Retrieved from https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/ [3] Australian Government (2024). Australian Cyber Security Centre. Retrieved from https://www.cyber.gov.au/ [4] Better Homes and Gardens (2024). Home Security: Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/home-maintenance/security/home-security-tips/ [5] SafeWork Australia (2024). Workplace Security. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/health-and-safety/resources/workplace-security [6] Victoria Police (2024). How Safe Is My Place? Retrieved from https://www.police.vic.gov.au/about-us/community-safety/how-safe-is-my-place/

  1. The article suggests installing mechanical locking devices, such as fuses on windows and doors, or burglar alarms for general home security, as these offer added physical security and deter burglars.
  2. In the event of online shopping, it's advisable to arrange for deliveries to be received in person, use secure parcel lockers, or have packages sent to a secure location, such as a workplace or a trusted neighbour’s home, to prevent theft or loss.

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