The security of our home and family is always a concern, even if you live in a quiet neighbourhood.

Here are some quick and easy common sense tips on keeping your home protected.

- Make sure you lock your doors and windows are locked when you go out. I know it sounds obvious but even in the city robberies occurs simply because someone went out and left the house unlocked.
- Install a peephole in the front door, and check the identity of strangers before you let them in your home.
- Don’t leave car or house keys lying in plain view, or near open doors or windows where they can easily be taken.
- Never try to apprehend a burglar on your own, they are likely to turn violent, instead call your local police and immediately jot down a description.
- If you are out back in the garden make sure the front door is locked, according to NRMA statistics many buglaries occur while people are outside leaving their front door unlocked.

Some simple precautions:

- Don’t leave your keys under the door mat or in a flower plant, if you need to leave a spare pair of keys somewhere leave them with a trusted friend or neighbour.
- Keep surrounding trees and shrubs trimmed so they do not provide cover for burglars.
- Motion sensor lights covering the entrances may deter a would-be burglar.
- Secure garage tilt and roller doors with a padlock or deadbolt.
- Lock away ladders and tools that could help a burglar break in to your home.
- If you move into a new property change the locks on entryway doors.
- Don’t keep large amount of cash in your home and keep jewellery out of sight or think of investing in a small safe.
- Program the number of your local police into your phone and have an extension in your bedroom.
- Don’t leave notes on the door announcing that you have gone out or when you will be back.
- When you go out at night leave a few lights on, this will cast doubt as to whether or not anyone is at home.

The key is not to live in fear that someone may break in to your home but to take sensible precautions that will deter a would be burglar. In most cases they are looking for an easy target, and if you make it that bit harder for them you will lower the chances that you will be robbed.