Facts from Police & Australian Insurance Companies.
If you have been burgled once, your home is more likely to be broken into again. Thieves will often come back within 3 months, giving you time to replace all the things they stole. Take all the precautions you can to keep them out. If you do come across a burglar in your home, never try to apprehend them, call the police.
Official Victorian Police Figures show there were 27,343 residential burglaries in Victoria last year.
HOUSEHOLD CRIMES – BREAK-INS
Victims of household break-ins may experience financial losses and psychological distress due to feelings of vulnerability and associated stressors.In 2008-09, 3.3% of Australia’s 8.2 million households were victims of at least one break-in into their home, garage or shed in the 12 months prior to interview.
In 2008-09, households in the Northern Territory and Western Australia were more likely to be the victims of a break-in (7.7% and 5.1% of households respectively), whilst households in Tasmania and Victoria were the least likely to be victims of a break-in (2.6% and 2.8% of households respectively)
The statistics are far from reassuring: one in four Australian households have been burgled and there are over 10,000 house fires every year leading to death and injury. Here we highlight some simple steps you can take right now to protect your home and your family. Experience proves monitored home security systems are the most effective way of keeping out burglars. They can also provide early warning of fire when smoke detectors are connected.
Statistics show that in Australia someone is burgled just about every minute*. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics only 5 per cent of break and enter crimes are solved by the police, so the chance of recovering your stolen possessions is very low.
The best you can do is try to keep the burglars out.
Facts about break ins
Your home is your castle…or is it? Is your home really safe once you leave for work or school? Your home is considered a sanctuary where you should feel safe. Your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Protecting your home and family from criminal intrusion should be high on your list of priorities.
Windows
Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar.
Doors and Locks
The first step is to harden the target or make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar will simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors.
Alarms
Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective, if used properly. The reason why alarms systems deter burglaries is because they increase the potential and fear of being caught and arrested by the police.
