Security
- Install an intruder alarm system.
- Display security system notices prominently.
- Select a security system with low standby power consumption. Many systems use excessive electrical energy over a year.
- Design or modify your home to eliminate dark corners, narrow pedestrian walkways and hidden recesses.
- Design balconies and windows to maximise natural observation of vehicle and pedestrian movement.
- Ensure that perimeter doors and windows are of solid construction and fitted with quality deadlocking devices.
- Glass should be reinforced with shatter resistant material to prevent entry.
- Ensure that skylights and roofing tiles can not be easily removed from the outside.
- Fit the main entry doors with viewing ports to allow identification of visitors.
- Direct infra-red activated security lights toward likely access/egress areas to illuminate potential offenders.
- Avoid or modify trees, carports and lattices that can act as 'ladders' to upper storeys.
- Ensure that external storage areas, laundries, letterboxes and communal areas are well lit and observable from inside.
- Clearly delineate property boundaries using gardens, distinctive paving, lawn strips, ramps and fences.
- Fences and walls should be low and/or open to improve observation and maximise sunlight.
- Vegetation should not obscure building entrances, windows and other vulnerable areas.
- Ensure that entrances are clearly private and well illuminated.
- Install sensor lighting or timed lighting that can be controlled from within the dwelling.
- Join or establish Community Safe House programs in your area.
- Provide pleasant, well-defined pedestrian routes overlooked by neighbouring houses and employ traffic calming measures to slow cars and encourage pedestrian activity where possible.