Home Security Quiz

Take our home security checklist to see if your house is as secure as it should be. If you have answered “No” to any of these questions it will be worth getting in touch with Chartercom Security to discuss how we can improve the security of your property.

Is your Street number clearly visible from the street?
Is the street number visible at night?
Are perimeter fences in good condition?
Can gates be secured?
Can people clearly see your home from the street?
Could a person be seen hiding in your yard from the street?
Is there security lighting installed?
If so, does your security lighting operate correctly?
Do you have light timers installed for when the house is empty?
Is your letterbox locked?
Is your power board enclosed within a cabinet?
If so, is this cabinet locked or have the ability to be locked?
Can the garage be locked?
Is the garden shed anchored to the ground?
Is the Garden shed locked?
Are tools, gardening equipment, ladders etc. locked away when not in use?
Are windows within the garage locked?
Are external doors of the house of solid construction?
Are door frames of solid construction?
Are high quality locks installed?
Is a peep hole installed?
Is a security door installed?
Are sliding doors fitted with suitable locks?
Can you restrict from people getting under your home?
Are unused windows/doors permanently closed and secured?
Are skylights suitable secured?
Do you have house and contents insurance?
Can telephone lines be easily tampered with?
Are your telephones programmed with emergency contact numbers?
Do you have a safe installed?
Is the safe out of view?
Is the location on all house keys known?
Are keys out of view when your home is not occupied?
Is your Jewellery secured?
Is an intruder alarm installed?
Is your intruder alarm monitored?
Is the intruder alarm system operating?
Is the intruder alarm system used?
Does the Intruder alarm cover the garage?
Is the intruder system tested regularly?

Security Suggestions

Street Number

The street number must be prominently displayed at the front of your home to comply with Local Government Act, 1973, Section 124, Order 8.
The number should be a minimum height of 120 mm and be visible at night.
The number could also be painted on the street kerb outside your home to assist emergency services & visitors to locate your home.

Warning Signs

Warning signs can be displayed around the perimeter of your home and property to warn intruders of what security
treatments have been implemented to reduce opportunities for crime. For example:
Warning: Trespassers will be prosecuted.
Warning: This property is under electronic surveillance.
Be careful of using warning signs that suggest a security treatment that does not exist. Thieves look for other cues to confirm if security treatments really do exist.

Fences & Gates

Fences can be used to define the property boundaries and restrict access to the property.
Fences and gates should be constructed to meet your needs and requirements.
Front fences should be of open-style construction to increase visibility onto the property.
Consider the use of self-closing gates and lock sets.
Fences and gates should be regularly maintained to maximise their effectiveness and ensure their good working order.

Landscaping

Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to reduce hiding places and increase visibility to and from the street.
Overhanging branches should be trimmed to prevent people using them to access other parts of the property, e.g. using a tree to get to an upper level of the house.

Security Lighting

Security lighting should be installed around the perimeter of the property to provide more effective illumination during the hours of darkness.
Security lighting should be checked and maintained in good working order.
Additional security lighting should be installed, particularly over entry/exit points.
Consider using light timers to turn lights on/off when not at home.
Timer globes are also available.

Letterbox & Power Board

The letterbox should be fitted with a suitable lock set to restrict access to mail.
The power board should be housed within a cabinet to restrict tampering with the power supply.
The cabinet should be secured with a lock set approved by your electricity authority.

Garage & Garden Shed

The garage should be locked to restrict access and theft.
Roller, tilt and panel-lift doors can be secured with additional lock sets in the form of hasp and staple or padlocks.
Garden sheds should be securely anchored to the ground to prevent lifting.
The garden shed should also be fitted with a suitable lock set, again to restrict access and theft.
Windows within garages and garden sheds should also be fitted with quality lock sets to restrict access.
Garden tools, equipment and ladders should be locked away when not in use to prevent them being used to gain access to your home.

Doors

External doors and frames should be of solid construction.
These doors should be fitted with quality deadlock sets, which comply with the Australia/New Zealand Standards
and Fire Regulations (Australian Building Code) to enable occupants to escape in emergency situations such as fires.
Consider having a peephole (door viewer) installed in the door to monitor people at the door.
Locks should be checked and maintained on a regular basis to ensure they are in good working order.
Keys should be removed from locks while you are absent to prevent thieves entering or leaving your home.
Security/screen doors can be used to provide additional protection.
Security/screen doors should be designed and installed to the Australian Standards.
Consider installing patio bolts on sliding doors.
Under-house access points should be secured.

Windows

External windows and frames should be of solid construction.
Window frames should be anchored to the building to prevent easy removal.
It is recommended that all windows should be fitted with quality key-operated lock sets and kept locked when not in use.
Thieves may break glass to unlock windows. Don’t leave keys in the locks.8
If you have skylights to your home, keep them suitably secured.
Further information on lock sets can be obtained from Standards Australia, Phone 1300 654 646.
Glass within doors and windows may also be reinforced to restrict unauthorized access via these areas.
The existing glass can be reinforced internally with a shatter-resistant adhesive film to reduce attacks and restrict access.
The existing glass may be replaced with laminated glass, again to reduce attacks & restrict access.
Metal security grilles or shutters may be installed to restrict access & reduce attacks. (Note: caution should be exercised if you decide to install metal security grilles or screens. If they are not properly installed, they can trap occupants in an emergency such as a fire.)

Telephones

Pre-program the speed dial function on your phone with the emergency number 000.
Place a sticker on your telephone with the emergency number and local police number.

Safes

For added security for valuables such as jewellery, cash and documents, consider installing a safe.
The safe should be well concealed, fixed to the floor or embedded in foundations. This can save your personal possessions from being stolen.
The safe should not be left open for convenience. The key to the safe should be stored out of sight in a separate room.
The safe should be manufactured and installed to the Australian & New Zealand Standards.

Key & Valuables Control

Spare keys should not be hidden outside the home but left with trusted friends or neighbours.
Keys should not be left in locks or in view but should be kept in a safe location, as thieves may use them to gain entry to your home or steal your car.
Try to limit the amount of cash kept at home, as it is often targeted by thieves and is often not covered by your insurance.
Many people still leave their expensive jewellery in plain sight. Secure jewellery away in a safe place or a safe.

Intruder Alarm Systems

An intruder alarm system can be used to enhance the physical security of your home.
Research has shown that monitored intruder alarm systems are more effective in that they alert your security company of intrusions.
The intruder alarm system should be manufactured and installed to the Australian & New Zealand Standards for Domestic Applications.
The system should be designed to provide maximum coverage of the home and garage.
Remember to regularly check the battery and test the system.