Why summer months see an increase in burglaries
The summer months bring a noticeable spike in burglary rates across Australia due to several factors
As we’re all well aware, Victoria’s crime crisis continues to spiral out of control, with home invasions, break-ins and theft on the rise. Motor vehicle theft in Victoria has risen 41 per cent the past 12 months according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
But did you know, that the summer months are when these activities spike (in other words, the worst is yet to come) — this is due to a few factors including extended travel, more entry points with windows and doors left open and longer daylight hours creating more opportunity:
Holiday travel
Families are more likely to leave their homes unoccupied while they take extended holidays and trips away, making their properties prime targets.
Open windows and doors
The warm weather often encourages homeowners to leave windows or doors open, which can lead to vulnerabilities if not properly secured.
Longer days
Longer days mean more daylight hours, providing offenders with more opportunities to scope out and strike without the cover of darkness.
It’s really important to properly secure your home over the summer, and put measures in place to make your home both less appealing and more difficult for breaks-ins to occur.
Ways to improve your home security and reduce access points
1. Always keep your garage door closed when not in use
Don't let people see what's inside your garage, scope out valuable belongings or access points whilst your garage door is open. Always keep it closed when it is not in use.
2. Ensure your garage door & gate are serviced & in good working order
An automatic garage door and gate in good working order, is far more difficult for an intruder to pry open — ensure they are serviced regularly and in working condition.
3. Ensure the outdoor garage access points are highly visible
This might sound strange, but you don’t want to let intruders gain access by hiding behind trees, shrubs or bushes near your garage door. Make sure potential access points are clear and highly visible.
4. Ensure all indoor and outdoor access points are locked
Victoria Police advise unlocked internal garage doors (the door that takes you from your home to your garage) are the most common entry point for intruders, keep your belongings and family safe by keeping doors locked.
5. Install automatic locks on your garage doors & gate
Ensure your garage door locks shut when closed, automatic looks prevent your door being opened manually by intruders. Check out our accessory options here.
6. Replace remote controls with access via your smart device
Remote controls can be easily lost and often used by intruders to gain access, using your smart phone is an efficient safe way to access.
7. Keep all indoor and outdoors access points locked
Victoria Police advises unlocked doors are the most common entry point for intruders, keep your home safe by keeping doors locked.