We always think that ‘it will never happen to me‘.

I’ll never have an airline lose my baggage. 

I’ll never lock my keys in my car.

I’ll never be burgled.

Unfortunately, for many people these incidents to happen to them and when it comes to having your home broken into, it’s not just your possessions that have been stolen, it’s also  your peace of mind.

In 2020-2021, nearly two per cent of Australian households were burgled.

Between 2020 – 2021 over 900,000 homes in Australia experience household crimes such as break-ins and attempted break-ins.

So what makes you a target?

A survey facilitated by Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) found that 40 per cent of home burglary offenders in Australia identify homes with minimal security as easy targets.

The survey also found some interesting reasons that would deter them from breaking into a home:

• A loud dog, regardless of size (61.4%).
• An alarm system (49.1%).
• Working sensor lights (22.8%).
• Homes with the lights on (19.3%).

While we can’t quite help you with getting a hold of a loud dog, we do have some tips on how you can prevent home invasion:

1. Thieves are onto tricks such as leaving a radio or light on constantly while you are away. Instead, you could convert your existing lights onto timers that come on in the evenings.
2. Data shows that a home without a security system is three times more likely to be broken into. If a security camera is in plain view, it will likely deter an intruder. Even better, invest in a camera that will notify you if there is any movement.
3. Ensure your door has been upgraded with high quality locks, a strong door frame and hinges. Upgrading to a smart lock will mean you can engage this remotely, giving you an extra layer of security.
4. Keep your valuables hidden. There is a chance intruders can scope potential targets ahead of time, which is heavily influenced by the valuables they can see externally.
5. Don’t forget your garage. This is one of the easiest ways intruders can gain access and is often forgotten when it comes to securing a home. Consider keeping your garage door remote in your house rather than your car and ensure your door to the house is locked. You could also look into a smart garage control, which allows you to check the status of your garage and monitor this remotely via your smartphone.

At the end of the day, items that are stolen can always be replaced, however peace of mind cannot. So what will you do to ensure you don’t become another statistic?

The MyPlace Smart Home System offers a number of these services that will help secure your home. Head to About MyPlace to learn more.