Safety at home
Home security
House break-ins are one of the most common crimes. Often they are crimes of opportunity, with the thief gaining entry through an unlocked door or window.
Reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Follow these steps to secure your home:
- Make it as difficult as possible for a thief to gain entry.
- Install and use key-operated locks on doors and windows.
- Don’t place keys under door mats or in obvious places.
- Make it as difficult as possible for a thief to take your belongings with them when they leave.
- Don't leave keys in doors or windows when you're not at home.
- Consider installing an alarm system.
- Make sure alarms are functioning.
- Reduce temptation.
- Engrave or microdot all items of value.
- Keep cash, keys and valuables out of sight and out of easy reach.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information.
- Only list your initials and surname in the phone book.
- If you use an answering service, don’t leave a message that implies you live alone (e.g. rather say 'we' than 'I').
- If you use social networking sites, don’t give personal details such as your home address or phone number.
- Don’t share personal information with strangers (e.g. don't tell them where you live or when you'll be away).
Read more about ways to protect your home.
When you go away, your home is more vulnerable to a break-in. Learn how to keep your home secure while you're away.
Practical tips for a safer home
Queensland Police have created a brochure with safety guidance for in and around the home:
Neighbourhood Watch
Join your local Neighbourhood Watch group to help improve safety and reduce crime in your community.
Home fire safety check
You can request a free check for fire and safety hazards at your home by a local firefighter. Book a Safehome visit online or phone 1300 369 003.
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are devices that sound an alarm when they detect smoke. By law, your home must have smoke alarms.
If you have a hearing impairment, specialised smoke alarms are subsidised.
Fire education program
You can attend a free fire safety education program delivered by the Retired Firefighters Association of Queensland. To book a place, contact your local fire station or phone 1300 369 003.
Fall prevention
It is important to create a safe environment in and around your home to reduce your risk of falling. Falls are one of the main reasons that older people are admitted to hospital or need to move to an aged-care home.
Report a home break-in
Call Triple Zero (000) if your life is in danger, there is a serious risk to your safety or property, or if a break-in is in progress.
To report non-urgent incidents of stealing, wilful damage, break and enter, stolen vehicles or lost property contact Policelink on 131 444.
