Key Points
- According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 380,000 home break-ins or attempted break-ins in 2022-23 countrywide.
- To minimise the risk of a home invasion, police forces across various states offer useful tips.
- Victoria Police advise making your home seems occupied even when it's not.
In May 2024, a family of four in the northwest Melbourne suburb of Bonnie Brook were left in shock after a home invasion.
Armed intruders broke into their house while they slept, stealing a laptop, home and car keys, and fleeing with their Mercedes wagon.
"When I woke up and saw my living room in disarray, drawers were opened, and my laptop, house keys, and car keys were gone, I realised the break-in had happened while we were asleep," Hardik Dave told SBS Gujarati.
The unknown offenders stole a laptop and keys before fleeing in the victim’s Mercedes wagon that was parked in the driveway. Credit: Supplied/SBS Gujarati
When including household crimes such as vehicle theft, malicious property damage, and theft from vehicle, this number rises to 856,800.
That means 8.5 per cent of Australian households experienced such crimes during that period.
As the holiday season approaches, many Australians plan vacations, but burglars often target homes left vacant during these times.
Police advise talking all necessary steps before heading on vacation. (Representative image.) Credit: Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61
Inspector Bradley Parker from the Crime Prevention Command of the New South Wales Police told SBS Gujarati, “We should take all the necessary steps before heading on vacation."
His tips include:
- Double-check that all windows, doors, gates, sheds, and garages are locked and secure.
- Ask a friend or neighbour to park in your driveway, collect your mail, and manage your garbage bins.
- Keep your lawn tidy and trimmed.
- Don’t post your vacation plans on social media post.
- Provide a trusted person with your contact details.
- Stop or redirect any expected deliveries.
- Avoid packing your vehicle the night before departure.
One should be checking all doors, windows, gates , garages and making sure they are locked and secured properlyInspector Bradley Parker, New South Wales Police
Western Australia Police also urge basic precautions, including:
- Ensuring all external doors and windows are locked,
- Leaving spare keys with a trusted person who has your contact details,
- Disabling roller doors if possible.
Parker said staying in contact with your neighbours is crucial as they can be the first to notice suspicious activity around your property and take action to prevent it.
Sharing any concerns about unusual behaviour with neighbours fosters a safer community, he said.
Police say burglars often target homes left vacant during the holiday period. (Representative image.) Credit: Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61
- Cancelling newspaper subscriptions,
- Asking a neighbour or friend to regularly check your mailbox, put out your bins, mow your front lawn, and sometimes park in your driveway,
- Installing a video doorbell to monitor your doorstep and communicate with anyone who rings,
- Avoiding posting about your holiday plans on social media, as burglars can track such posts to know when you're away.
It’s best to keep your vehicle in a locked garage. If you park your car in a driveway, consider the installation of a sensor light and CCTV.Victoria Police
If you are going away, you can register your absence from residence with , who can use this information to reach family or an emergency contact if there is an incident while you are away.
NSW Police advise checking with your local police station to see if they offer patrol services for unattended residences during the holidays.
Being prepared and taking these simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of a home invasion or theft.
For further information, visit your relevant state police website:
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