10-point home entry safety checklist

Walk around your place with this in ten minutes. Each point comes from Victoria Police or NSW Police burglary-prevention advice; tick what you have covered.

Every external door has a deadlock, and you use it
Lock doors even when you are home. Unlock the deadlock from inside at night so you can get out in a fire. Source: Victoria Police
Windows lock, and the ones you leave open are restricted
Fit key-operated window locks and secure every window before you go out. Source: NSW Police
The garage, shed and side gate are locked too
The internal garage door, shed, gates, pet doors and skylights are all ways in. Source: Victoria Police
Ladders and tools are locked away
A ladder or a spade left out is a tool for getting in. Source: NSW Police
No spare key outside
Not under the mat, not in the meter box, not in a pot plant. Source: NSW Police
Shrubs near doors and windows are trimmed back
Remove hiding spots so a neighbour or passer-by can see your entries. Source: Victoria Police
Sensor lights cover the approaches
Put motion lights over the paths people use to reach your doors, not just the porch. Source: Victoria Police
Valuables, keys and phones are out of sight from windows
Car keys especially: keep them away from the front door. Source: NSW Police
When you are away, the house still looks lived in
Timers on a light or radio, bins brought in, mail collected, a car in the driveway, and nothing about the trip on social media. Source: NSW Police
The approach sounds occupied
Burglars look for an empty house. A light on a timer helps after dark; a barking deterrent like K9-Alert makes the approach itself sound like someone is home. How a barking deterrent works

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Make the approach sound occupied

K9-Alert barks when someone walks up, before they reach the door. No Wi-Fi, no app, no monthly fee. $99.95 with free AU shipping.

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