How to improve the security of your neighbourhood

Are my doors strong enough to prevent a break-in? Can people on the street see valuables through my front windows? Is my neighbourhood a crime hotspot?

Let’s face it, these are all questions that make us second-guess our approach to home security. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take to protect your home and neighbourhood without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking to improve the security of your neighbourhood, follow these simple steps.

Get to know your neighbours

Whether you live next to an elderly couple, a small family, or a sharehouse, maintaining positive relationships with neighbours is vital to ensuring the safety of you and those around you. Unfortunately, with so much crime reported on TV and social media, it’s easy to become fearful of those within our own suburbs. Getting to know your neighbours will not only help to build a sense of community and improve neighbourhood security, but it’ll also give your home and family an extra set of eyes should you decide to take a trip out of town – ultimately reducing the risk of your house being subject to burglary. Keep your windows and blinds closed at night If there’s one thing that entices a burglar, it’s the sight of a big-screen TV or expensive computer. If you leave your blinds up or windows open during the day while you’re at work or at night, you’re providing potential criminals with a free glimpse into your home. To eliminate an intruder’s ability to see inside and deter their interest in breaking in, simply remember to shut your windows and blinds before you head to bed! To be on the safe side, ensure that your curtains cover the whole window. This will prevent would-be intruders from looking in at an angle.

Stay alert! Have you noticed any suspicious or dangerous activity in your neighbourhood?

Despite taking all the necessary security measures, the best way to ensure neighbourhood safety is to stay alert. A lot of crimes like sexual harassment, mugging, and verbal abuse, often go unnoticed and unreported in neighbourhoods. If you do happen to notice any of these types of behaviours, contact the authorities immediately. Look out for the safety of your fellow neighbours! If you take care of them, they’ll take care of you. Tip: There are a number of online community groups dedicated to providing a platform for discussion around suspicious behaviour and crime occurring in neighbourhoods. If you’re interested in finding a local online group or page dedicated to the safety of your community, conduct a search on Facebook that includes your postcode and keywords like ‘security’ or ‘neighbourhood watch’.

Keep your home’s exterior tidy Research has shown that messy front yards and improper maintenance are primary reasons that criminals target a premise.

If you’re looking to improve your home’s security without spending a penny, just do some basic landscaping or yard maintenance work! Not only will this keep your home looking like it’s occupied, it can limit the number of potential hiding spots for burglars. Large bushes and shrubbery provide the perfect hiding spot for someone waiting to break into a home or hide from patrolling vehicles. If there’s an open lot or abandoned home nearby that you feel is prone to vandalism or criminal activity, work together with your neighbours to fix up its exterior. Start by cleaning up mail pile-ups and weeding.

Invest in a home security system

One of the surest options to improve the security of your neighborhood is to invest in a quality home security system that’s equipped with the right features. Studies show that burglars tend to avoid properties fitted with home security systems.

Whether you’re a homeowner or leaseholder, having an effective security system will give your home an added layer of defence against potential crimes, in addition to giving you the peace of mind that you and your family deserve!

For family households, consider a CCTV and alarm monitoring system from ANSIC. This will deter would-be criminals and drastically reduce the chance of a crime occurring within your home.

If you live in a high-crime area, you may want to consider coupling your Residential Alarm Monitoring with ANSIC’s Rapid Response Mobile Services, to ensure cost-effective safety and security of your house, belongings and family.

Remember: The safety of your neighbourhood is a team effort, but you can kick start the conversation. Be that person and advise your neighbours of your concerns, discuss your ideas for improved safety, and above all else, be a good neighbour and keep a lookout!