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HOME SECURITY PREVENTING CRIME

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Page 1: PREVENTING CRIME - SAPOL - Home · For a safer South Australia everyone must accept responsibility for crime prevention. 2 HOME SECURITY • Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted

PREVENTINGCRIME

HOME SECURITY

PREVENTINGCRIME

Page 2: PREVENTING CRIME - SAPOL - Home · For a safer South Australia everyone must accept responsibility for crime prevention. 2 HOME SECURITY • Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted

INDEX

Home security 2

Garages and sheds 3

Going on holiday? 3

Protect your valuables 4

Identity theft 6

Uninvited callers 7

SAPOL Home Assist Program 8

Reporting a crime 10

Victim support 11

Property record 12

SAPOL home security assessment 14

Suggested treatments 18

Neighbourhood Watch SA 21

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PREVENTINGCRIME

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Dear Householder,

South Australia Police (SAPOL) is committed to working in partnership with the community to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime to ensure that South Australia is a safe place to live, visit and do business.

As a crime prevention initiative and a means of minimising the risk of an intruder entering your home, we are pleased to provide you with this Home Security book. This book has been developed to provide you with practical tips to improve your home security.

In the interest of preventing crime against residential premises, we urge you to read this book and share the information with your family, friends and neighbours. Take the time to complete the home security assessment and where possible, apply the recommendations.

We hope that you find the enclosed information useful in making changes to improve your home security and help you feel safer in your home.

For further assistance please contact your local police station or visit www.police.sa.gov.au

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For a saferSouth Australia everyone must accept responsibility forcrime prevention.

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HOME SECURITY

• Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted to all doors and windows, e.g. bolt locks.

• Install a quality security screen door to the front and rear doors, e.g. a screen door with one-way vision mesh and three-pin locks.

• Consider fitting a perspex panel near the door handle on the inside of the mesh security door. The panel makes it harder for an intruder to reach the internal lock if the mesh is cut.

• Install a wide-angle peep hole (door viewer) in front and rear doors.

• Install a security alarm system.• Install hard wired smoke alarms, e.g. photo-

electric smoke alarms.• Even when you are outside, be sure to lock all

doors and windows.• Consider installing external sensor lighting.• Have secure fencing and put locks on gates.• Keep trees and bushes in front of doors and

windows trimmed to avoid being used as hiding places.

• Keep a tidy garden to give the impression your home is occupied.

• Consider placing a Neighbourhood Watch SA sticker on the side of your council bins (refer page 21).

• Store keys out of sight and in a safe place.

• Don’t leave valuables (e.g. iPads, mobile phones, jewellery) in obvious places. Thieves often target jewellery in jewellery boxes on bedroom dressers and other valuables in bedside drawers and cupboards.

• Consider installing a safe.• Put a lock on your letter box.• Consider locking your meter box to prevent

thieves interfering with your power supply (contact your local electricity provider for more information re: master key).

• Break down packaging of expensive items and place it in your bin so you don’t advertise your contents. Don’t leave it next to your bin on the street.

• Don’t advertise your name on plaques on your house.

• Don’t advertise all names of occupants on telephone answering machines.

• Photograph and record your property for insurance purposes.

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GARAGES AND SHEDS GOING ON HOLIDAY?

• Lock garages and sheds when not in use with quality locks, padlocks or chains.

• Lock all garden tools and ladders away so they cannot be used to break into your home.

• Lock doors that lead into your house.• Record model and serial numbers of all your

tools, particularly electrical items. • Photograph your tools and identify any mark-

ings or distinguishing features.• Consider installing a sensor light near doors/

windows and onto your driveway.• Consider installing sturdy mesh on windows.

• Lock all doors, windows and gates before leaving and take spare keys with you.

• Store other keys out of sight.• Use automatic timers to turn on lights and

radios. Tune to talkback programs, as it gives an impression of people being at home.

• Leave your curtains and blinds partially open. People will not be able to see straight in and you will create doubt about whether someone is home.

• Tidy your yard prior to leaving; it gives the impression the premises is occupied.

• Cancel all your regular deliveries. • Turn your phone and doorbell volume to low,

so others can’t hear if they go unanswered.• Never leave a holiday message on your

answering machine. • Put ‘No junk mail’ stickers on your letter box.• Activate your alarm.• Ask a friend or trusted neighbour to: • park their car in your driveway and

collect your mail or organise for Australia Post to hold your mail.

• put out and bring in your rubbish bins on collection day.

• listen for your alarm and leave emergency contact details and a spare set of keys with them with instructions on what to do if your alarm is activated.

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PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES

MARK VALUABLE PROPERTY• Take photos of your property. Consider using your smartphone to take photos so you can easily save/upload/print the images at your convenience.• Speak to family members/trusted friends or professionals about the best option to ‘mark’ your property for identification.• Consider using an engraver, ultra-violet (UV) pen or microdot technology to mark property.• UV pens are best used for items that cannot be engraved, e.g. ceramics, antiques, etc. • Consider marking your valuables with your driver’s licence number, prefixed by the letter ‘S’ for South Australia, e.g. S123456. • Photograph jewellery with a ruler beside it or a $1.00 coin to give an indication of the actual size. • Record all details on the Property Record in this booklet and keep it in a safe place.

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE• Lock your vehicle doors and close windows; even when the car is parked in your garage. • Install and activate an alarm or immobiliser. • Don’t leave money (coins) lying visibly in your car.• Remove all valuables from your vehicle. If you can’t, conceal them in the boot prior to arriving at your destination. • Park off the road and if possible in a locked garage. • When at home keep your keys in a safe location. • Do not leave spare keys hidden in or around your vehicle.

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PROTECT YOUR MOBILE PHONE• Secure your device with a pass code, pattern or biometric security.• Maintain and update anti-virus software.• Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.• Try to avoid accessing online banking, email, social media, etc. accounts using public Wi-fi as these networks can be insecure.• Do not trust caller ID. Scammers can manipulate this to make it appear the phone call is coming from somewhere it is not.• Be aware of posting personal and identifiable information online.• Turn off the location services (GPS) when not in use.• Only download apps from the official stores, such as Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store.• Review your privacy and security settings for social media apps and sites you use.• Set up and activate a ‘find my phone’ app.

PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER• Ensure your computer is secured with a password.• Maintain and update anti-virus software.• Back up data regularly and store offline.• Turn off file sharing when not in use.• Change the default administrator password on your home modem/router.• Set up a tracking service on your device if available.• Ensure remote management is disabled.

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IDENTITY THEFT

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?Identity theft is all about people stealing your good name then using it to obtain money, goods, services or other benefits.

Your identity can be stolen to open fictitious accounts in your name at banks or department stores. Thieves can access your bank accounts and credit cards or open new credit cards in your name and the result can be devastating for you and your family.

WHAT DO THIEVES ACTUALLY STEAL?Identities are commonly stolen via ‘phishing’ attempts, whereby scammers direct users to legitimate appearing websites and ask for personal details.

TIPS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT • Lock your letter box. A padlock is a simple but

effective idea.• Treat all unexpected emails as a possible

‘phishing’ attempt.• Be wary of links or attachments contained

in email as these may contain malicious software or direct you to a legitimate looking website, which is actually run by scammers.

• If in doubt, contact the organisation using a known website or contact number, not one contained within the email.

• Never share your passwords or other personal information, such as a bank or credit card PIN with others.

• Limit the personal and identifiable information you share online.

• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.

• Never use public computers or public Wi-Fi for online shopping or internet banking.

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UNINVITED CALLERS

Most people who call at your home will be genuine, but sometimes someone may turn up unannounced, with the intention of getting into your home, deceiving you into giving them money, or having work done on your home.

Be wary of people who:• offer cheap deals or ask for cash up front• offer to drive you to the bank to collect the money for payment• pressure you into signing a contract or accepting the offer straight away.

If you are interested:• ask for written information• consider getting quotes from providers of your choice• ask to view evidence of their trade qualification or licence.

You can get further information by contacting the Office of Consumer and Business Services, on 13 18 82 or www.cbs.sa.gov.au

If a person is asking for a donation:• check they have correct identification• do not let them in your house while you get the money…and lock the door when you go inside• ask for a receipt if you do give money.

Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not ask you to install Remote Access applications. They will also never request or accept payment in gift cards such as iTunes, Google Play and Steam.

Do not provide any personal information to an unsolicited caller. If in doubt, hang up the phone and call the organisation back using a known phone number.

For further information on cybercrimes, frauds and scams visit:

SA PoliceWeb: www.police.sa.gov.au/scams

THE AUSTRALIAN CYBER SECURITY CENTREWeb: www.cyber.gov.au

IDCAREPhone: 1300 432 273Web: www.idcare.org

SCAMwatchWeb: www.scamwatch.gov.au

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SAPOL HOME ASSIST PROGRAM

The SAPOL Home Assist Program is a Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded by the Australian Government. The aim of the program is to improve home security and personal safety of eligible service users to allow them to remain safely in their homes. SAPOL works together with local councils, health services and other agencies to support CHSP service users.

The South Australian Government supports SAPOL to deliver services to people living with a disability and their carer.

This program is only available for people who are CHSP eligible. To meet the criteria you must be:• 65 years and over; or• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (50 years and over); or• under 65 years living with a disability; or• a carer of people who meet the criteria.

WHAT SAPOL PROVIDES

• Free security audits A police officer will come and visit you and conduct a free security audit of your home.

You will be provided with a written document highlighting safety and security issues that could be improved. The police officer will also discuss the possibility of having an assessment for a Home Care Package provided by My Aged Care. Web: www.myagedcare.gov.au Phone: 1800 200 422.

• Free group presentations Police will deliver free educative presentations to groups of 15 people or more. The presentation topics include: • Home security and personal safety This presentation provides home security and safety tips. • Safety for residents in an aged care facility This presentation provides security and safety advice for residents in aged care facilities. • Safety in the client’s home This presentation is aimed at carers and volunteers providing Home Assist services to clients in their home.

For further information and to make a booking for a free security audit or a group presentation, please contact the SAPOL Home Assist Coordinator on (08) 7322 3211.

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Home Assist aims to improve home safety enabling eligible elderly and disabled people to remain safely in their homes.

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EMERGENCIESCall Triple Zero (000) when there is an emergency.For example any situation where life or injury is threatened, or any event that may cause danger to people or property.

NON-EMERGENCIESCall 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance. For example reporting a crime that has already happened, reporting a missing person or making general police related enquiries.

Report information about criminals and their suspicious activities to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

If you see something or hear something, say something. You can remain anonymous.Rewards may be available upon the apprehension of an offender, the solving of a crime, or the recovery of stolen property.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE WEBSITEwww.police.sa.gov.auThe SAPOL website allows you to report a collision (pending the online criteria is met), report lost property and report suspicious activity online, along with a number of other options including locating your local police station (and opening hours) should you want to talk to a police officer face-to-face.

EMERGENCY+ APPemergencyapp.triplezero.gov.auThe Emergency+ app is a free app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their government and industry partners.

The app (once downloaded onto a smartphone) will display the GPS coordinates of the phone’s location so the Triple Zero (000) caller can read it out to the emergency operator.

Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.

REPORTING A CRIME

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NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE (NRS) (#106)NRS is an Australia-wide phone service for people who are deaf, have hearing impairment and/or speech impairment. 106 is the number to type when using this service to contact emergency services. For more information visit the Department of Communications and the Arts at www.communications.gov.au or have a trusted friend or family member make enquires by calling 1800 254 649. VOIPVoice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over broadband internet connections. Some VoIP providers may not provide access to emergency calls, so check with your VoIP provider if you require the emergency call service. It is NOT possible to contact emergency services using the Short Message Service (SMS text) on your mobile telephone.

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VICTIM SUPPORT

VICTIM CONTACT OFFICERSVictim Contact Officers are police officers who provide support, advice and information to victims of crime. If you require assistance, please telephone your nearest police station.

VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICEVictim Support Service is a statewide, independent not-for-profit organisation in South Australia that provides support to people affected by crime and family/domestic abuse and to help people to cope and recover from the effects of crime.

The service provided by Victim Support Service is free and available to any adult in South Australia, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened. They support victims and witnesses by campaigning for their rights and helping to improve their experiences of the criminal justice system.

Their purpose is to provide integrated safety, counselling and justice support services to people impacted by crime and abuse in South Australia.

Phone: 1800 VICTIM (1800 842 846)Email: [email protected]: www.victimsa.org33 Franklin Street, ADELAIDE SA 5001

COMMISSIONER FOR VICTIMS’ RIGHTSThe Commissioner is an independent statutory officer who helps victims of crime.

The Commissioner can help victims in their dealings with the criminal justice system, public agencies and public officials. The Commissioner can provide information, advice and support to South Australians who are affected with the physical, emotional and financial impact of crime.

The Commissioner can consult public officials on their treatment of victims of crime and recommend an apology if they have not treated victims properly.

Phone: 8204 9635Email: victimsofcrime.sa.gov.auWeb: www.voc.sa.gov.au

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List all relevant details including any dents, scratches or individual marks.

Take photos and upload images to a memory bank device/cloud.

Keep the list in a safe place and leave a copy with a trusted relative or friend.

Consider marking your property with your driver’s licence number.

PROPERTY RECORD

ITEM (TV, etc.) MAKE & MODEL SERIAL NUMBER VALUE DESCRIPTION

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INSURANCE PROVIDER: ..........................................................................................................

PHONE NUMBER: ..................................................................................................................

POLICY NUMBER(S): ..............................................................................................................

ITEM (TV, etc.) MAKE & MODEL SERIAL NUMBER VALUE DESCRIPTION

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Please answer each question in this Home Security Checklist. If you answer ‘No’ to any question, refer to the Suggested Treatments in this booklet to improve your home security.

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YES NO COMMENTSHOUSE NUMBER1 Is the house number clearly visible from the street?2 Is the house number easy to see at night?LANDSCAPING3 Can people see the home clearly from the street?

Are trees and shrubs neatly trimmed, so windows and doors are visible from the street?

4 Could a person attempting to hide in your yard be easily detected?

5 Is the yard tidy, does the house look lived in?LETTER BOX AND POWER BOARD6 Is the letter box fitted with a lock?7 Is the letter box emptied daily?8 Is the power board secured with a lock approved

by your electricity authority?LIGHTING9 Is there security lighting installed to the front and

rear of the home?10 Is it properly adjusted and working effectively?11 Are entry and exit points adequately lit?12 Does the lighting provide adequate coverage to

dark areas?13 Do you have light timers?14 Do you have operating torches in easy to reach

locations in your house in the event of a power outage? (Smartphones have a ‘torch’ function on them).

FENCES AND GATES15 Are fences in good condition?16 Are fences constructed at an appropriate height?17 Are gates able to be secured?18 Consider putting a ‘Beware of the dog’ sticker(s) on

your fences/gates, even if you don’t have a dog.

HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST

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YES NO COMMENTSDOORS19 Are external doors of solid construction?20 Are door frames of solid construction?21 Are quality key-operated locks fitted?22 Is a wide-angle peep hole (door viewer) installed in

the front and rear door?23 Are locks in good working order?24 Are keys removed from locks when no-one is at

home?25 Is a security/screen door installed with an

Australian Standard secure mesh screen?26 Is there a perspex panel fitted near the door handle

on the inside of the mesh security door? 27 Does the security door have a three-pin locking

system?28 Are sliding doors fitted with suitable keyed locks?WINDOWS29 Are windows solidly constructed?30 Are windows fitted with key-operated locks?31 Can the keys be removed from the locks?32 Are unused windows permanently closed and

secured?33 Are windows able to be locked open at a width of

no more than 10cm?34 Are skylights suitably secured?35 If you have louvre style windows – are they fitted

with security screens or bars?INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEMS36 Is an intruder alarm system installed?37 Is the alarm tested regularly?38 Is the alarm system monitored?39 Is the alarm operating effectively?40 Does the alarm system cover the garage?

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YES NO COMMENTSSMOKE ALARMS41 Does your premises have photo-electric smoke

alarms that are hardwired to the 240 volt power supply? Your smoke alarms should comply with the Australian Standards 3786. Look for the ‘five (5) ticks’ symbol on the packaging to ensure it’s a certified product.

GARAGE, GARDEN SHED & RUBBISH BINS42 Can the garden shed be locked?43 Are windows within the garage secured?44 Are tools, gardening equipment, ladders, etc.

locked away when not in use?45 Do you have a sensor light on your garage/shed

and rear yard?46 Consider placing a Neighbourhood Watch SA

sticker on the side of your council bins.

47 Are your rubbish bins brought in soon after collection or at least on the same day?

VEHICLES48 Is the vehicle locked at all times, even in your

driveway, gated front yard and/or garage? Avoid parking in the street if possible.

49 Are spare car keys out of sight and secured?50 Are all valuables removed from your car when not

in use?TELEPHONE, SAFES, KEYS AND VALUABLES51 Are your telephones pre-programmed with

emergency contact numbers?52 Do you have a phone near your bed for

emergencies?53 Do you have a safe installed?54 Is the safe out of view?55 Is the safe securely anchored?56 Are your keys and valuables adequately secured?57 Are keys out of view when your home is not

occupied?

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YES NO COMMENTSPROPERTY IDENTIFICATION58 Have you recorded details of your valuable

household items?59 Is your property marked for easy identification?60 Is your property photographed for easy

identification?61 Do you have adequate insurance?62 Are your property list and photographs adequately

secured?

For more information on smoke alarms contact the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS):Community Safety and Resilience Department: (08) 8204 3611Country Callers: 1300 737 637Email: [email protected]

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HOUSE NUMBER• The house number should be prominently

displayed at the front of your home, (including rear of premises if you live in a block of units/apartments with rear yard access).

• The number should be visible at night.• The number could also be painted on the street

kerb outside your home to assist emergency services and visitors to locate your home.

LANDSCAPING• Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to reduce

hiding places and increase visibility to and from the street.

• Overhanging branches should be trimmed to prevent people using them to access other parts of the property, e.g. using a tree to get to an upper level of the house.

LETTER BOX AND POWER BOARD • Fit your letter box with a lock to restrict access to

mail.• Empty your letter box daily.• The power board should be housed within a

cabinet to restrict tampering with the power supply.

• If possible the cabinet should be secured with a lock approved by your electricity authority, e.g. SA Power Networks (SAPN) - Master key.

LIGHTING• Security lighting should be installed around

the perimeter of the property to provide more effective illumination during the hours of darkness, with additional security lighting installed over entry and exit points.

• Internal and external security lighting should be checked, cleaned of debris (e.g. spider webs) and maintained in good working order.

• Consider using internal and external timers for lights when not at home.

DOORS• External doors and frames should be of solid

construction.• These doors should be fitted with a quality

deadlock, which complies with the Australia/ New Zealand Standards and Fire Regulations (Australian Building Code) to enable occupants to escape in emergency situations such as fires. www.mfs.sa.gov.au

• Consider having a wide-angle peep hole (door viewer) installed to monitor people at the front and rear door.

• Security/screen doors can be used to provide additional protection. The doors should be designed and installed to the Australian Standards.

• Consider installing doors with one-way viewing mesh.

• Consider installing patio bolts on sliding doors.• Consider having ALL your dead lock keys to be

‘alike’ if you don’t have the internal lever.• Consider a security screen for side glass panels

on a front door.• Locks should be checked and maintained on a

regular basis to ensure they are in good working order.

SUGGESTED TREATMENTS

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• Keys should be removed from locks while you are absent to prevent thieves entering or leaving home.

• Regularly test the volume of your doorbell (internally) and check the battery.

WINDOWS• External windows and frames should be of solid

construction and anchored to the building to prevent easy removal.

• It is recommended that all windows be fitted with quality key-operated locks and kept locked when not in use.

• Thieves may break glass to unlock windows. Don’t leave keys in the locks.

• Some styles of windows can be locked in a partially open position. Further advice on this item can be obtained from your insurance company or a locksmith.

• Keep skylights to your home suitably secured. • Glass within doors and windows may also be

reinforced to restrict unauthorised access via these areas.

• The existing glass can be reinforced internally with a shatter-resistant adhesive film or replaced with laminated glass to reduce attacks and restrict access.

• Metal security grilles or shutters may be installed to restrict access and reduce attacks. Note: caution should be exercised if you decide to install metal security grilles or screens. If they are not properly installed, they can trap occupants in an emergency such as a fire.

INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEMS• An intruder alarm system can be used to

enhance the physical security of your home.• The system should be designed to provide

maximum coverage of the home and garage.

• Remember to regularly check the battery and test the system.

• Research has shown that monitored intruder alarm systems are more effective as they alert your security company of intrusions.

• The intruder alarm system should be manufactured and installed to the Australian and New Zealand Standards for Domestic Applications.

• Display alarm stickers on doors and windows.

FENCES AND GATES• Fences can be used to define the property

boundaries and restrict access to the property. • Fences and gates should be constructed to meet

your needs and requirements. • Front fences should be of open-style

construction to increase visibility onto the property.

• Consider the use of locks and self-closing gates.• Fences and gates should be regularly

maintained to maximise their effectiveness and working order.

• Consider vertical slats or tubular style fences opposed to horizontal styles that may be used as a ladder.

• Consider displaying ‘Beware of dogs’ sticker(s).

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• Limit the amount of cash kept at home, as it is often targeted by thieves and is often not covered by your insurance.

• Secure jewellery away in a safe place or a safe.

PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION• Consider using an engraver, ultra-violet

(UV) pen or micro dot technology to mark valuables.

• Consider marking your property with your driver’s licence number, prefixed by the letter ‘S’ for South Australia, e.g. S123456.

• For items that cannot be engraved, e.g. ceramics, antiques, etc. mark with a UV pen.

• Photograph jewellery with a ruler beside it or a $1.00 coin to give an indication of the actual size.

• Photograph all your property for insurance and police identification purposes.

• Record all details on the Property Record in this booklet and keep it in a safe place.

• Provide a copy of your recorded information to a trusted family member or friend.

GARAGE, GARDEN SHED & RUBBISH BINS• The garage and garden shed should be

locked to restrict access and theft.• Roller, tilt and panel-lift doors can be secured

with additional locks in the form of hasp and staple or padlocks.

• Windows within garages and garden sheds should also be fitted with quality locks to restrict access.

• Garden tools, equipment and ladders should be locked away when not in use to prevent them being used to gain access to your home.

• Consider putting screens on windows or bars on louvre windows.

• Consider installing sensor lights around your garage/garden sheds and driveway.

• Lock cars while in the garage.• Lock doors between the garage and the main

house.• Consider placing a Neighbourhood Watch SA

sticker on the side of your council bins.

TELEPHONE, SAFES, KEYS AND VALUABLES• Pre-program the emergency number Triple

Zero (000) into your phone speed dial function.

• For added security for valuables such as jewellery, cash and documents, consider installing a safe.

• The safe should be well concealed and fixed to the floor or embedded in foundations.

• The safe should not be left open for convenience. The key to the safe should be stored out of sight in a secure location.

• House keys, car keys and garage remote controls should be kept in a safe location, as thieves may use them to gain entry to your home or to steal your car.

CONCLUSIONBy completing this assessment and implementing suggested treatments you are helping to reduce the opportunity of a home break-in.

SAPOL encourages you to obtain your own independent advice as to the safety and security of your home. Should you require further information on the subjects listed in this assessment, please contact your local police station.

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PREVENTINGCRIME

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ABOUT USNeighbourhood Watch SA is all about local people, in your local neighbourhood coming together with South Australia Police to create a safe and connected community.

By bringing neighbours and police together, we can help to solve local issues, raise awareness about improved safety and prevent crime.

The uniqueness of NHW is that every group has its own focus, its own priorities and its own needs, that can be addressed by residents who live there.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SA

WANT TO JOIN? GET INVOLVED!Becoming a NHW volunteer enables you to develop closer links to your neighbourhood and have a say in the direction of your community. You could become part of the solution for any local concerns or issues by working collaboratively with police.

Joining NHW is also a good way to improve your self-esteem and social connections, by making a positive contribution to your neighbourhood while networking with people in your community.

It can also be a valuable opportunity to develop your skills, and is a great thing to add to your CV.

To show support for NHW consider placing a Neighbourhood Watch SA sticker on the side of your council bins to deter opportunistic crime. The stickers can also be used as a reminder for passing drivers and pedestrians to call 131 444 to report suspicious behaviour they may see.

Visit www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw and use our postcode locater to find your local group, or contact the NHW State Coordinator at [email protected] for more information or to request a free bin sticker.

Keep up to date with what’s happening in your neighbourhood by liking and following NeighbourhoodWatchSA on Facebook and subscribing to the NHW News mailing list on the NHW website.

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Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared as a public service initiative and while every care has been taken in its preparation no warranty is given nor representation, either express or implied, made regarding the accuracy, currency or fitness for purpose of the information or advice provided and no liability or responsibility is accepted by the State of South Australia, its instrumentalities, South Australia Police and their agents, officers and employees for any loss suffered by any person in consequence of any use of and reliance placed by any person upon the said information or advice. 10.19

For further crime prevention assistance, please contact your local police station or visit www.police.sa.gov.au

NeighbourhoodWatch SA