Home and multi-residential security

The Queensland Police Service Home Security Assessment Guide is a practical and easy to use tool to review your current home security measures and identify potential security risks.

With this approach, you want to identify the most appropriate layers/s for treatment. You do not need to change every layer, only those with the highest risk.

And always target the layer/s that best suit your circumstances. For example: 

• What the actual or potential offences for your home or suburb are (have local police reported a spate of similar home entry methods)
• What is within your budget
• What will not impact unacceptably on your lifestyle.

Where a specific risk to your security is identified, you are encouraged to consult industry specialists to discuss treatment options. This might include your local hardware store, locksmith, home security specialist, landscaper and electrician.

The Queensland Police Service offers free home security assessment community presentations right across Queensland.

Presentations provide participants with practical and effective strategies to keep your home safe and are delivered by a trained Queensland Police Service member.  If you would like to request a free home security assessment presentation for your local community group, body corporate etc. contact your District Crime Prevention Coordinator. 

Need help conducting your own home security assessment?  Contact your District Crime Prevention Coordinator who may be able to assist with an in-home security assessment by a trained Queensland Police Service member.

If you hear an offender in the home or if you suspect they are still nearby, get yourself to a place of safety and at the earliest opportunity call police on Triple Zero 000.

For non-urgent incidents call Policelink on 131 444 or report online.

There are often typical circumstances which occur before a home is burgled. An offender will usually act on easy or tempting opportunities, especially when it is evident no one is home or the risk of being caught is low.

Homes with windows or doors left open or unsecured are more likely to attract a potential offender. Similarly, curtains closed during the day and mail left to accumulate will indicate you are not home and increase your risk of an opportunistic break-in.

Offenders are often looking for cash or credit cards, small valuable items and electronic items which can be quickly sold for cash.

Offenders also target car keys which are left in sight. Always ensure your car and house keys are secured and stored out of sight and, in the event they are stolen, have the locks replaced or keyless security reprogrammed immediately — offenders may return after the initial break-in.

Further information can be found on the Home Security information sheet or the Multi-residential Living Security information sheet.

• Ensure doors are always locked with a key even when you are home.
• Ensure that all external doors, including your internal garage door, are solid and fitted with quality locks.
• Consider fitting security screen doors, designed and installed to Australian Standards.
• Install a door viewer that allows you to see the person before you open the door.
• Fit secure locks to your windows which meet Australian Standards and never leave the keys in the window lock.
• Ensure security grills and shutters are properly installed and allow an exit in case of an emergency.
• Consider installing an alarm system and security camera system that covers all external doors, windows and garage. Ensure the system is installed to Australian Standards for domestic applications.
• Always ensure car and house keys, mobile phones, handbags and wallets are stored out of sight.
• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility into and out of your property and your house number is clearly visible.
• Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden implements such as ladders. Always keep your garage or shed door closed and locked with a key.
• Consider installing perimeter security lighting including sensor lights.
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Group at www.nhwq.org.
• Have an emergency evacuation plan and review it regularly.

When it comes to high-rise residential buildings and apartments, security is essential. Most break-ins are opportunistic, especially when there is evidence of quick and easy entry and unsecured valuables are visible.

What you can do

• Have good individual routines and habits.
• Identify management’s role and function in your building and have relevant phone numbers saved in your phone.
• Ensure you are aware of building evacuation and safety procedures.
• Close any communal doors that are open and unattended.
• Avoid lending keys to anyone, even if they are someone you trust.
• Make sure you have quality fitted door and window locks, with locks ‘keyed alike’ where possible.
• Always keep your balcony screen doors locked, even when you are home and it is night-time.
• Avoid storing excess belongings and valuables in garage areas and lock-up garages.
• Keep your bicycle in a locked storage area where possible and consider removing the wheel or seat when not in use.
• Take a photograph of your bicycle, including the serial number, and save it in your records.
• Secure bicycles if possible to something solid in the absence of a locked storage area. Use additional security measures for motorcycles.
• Remove all valuables, including garage remotes and personal items, when leaving your car unattended or ensure they are out of sight.
• Always lock your car, including the boot, and remember to fully close all windows.
• Secure your registration plates with anti-theft screws.
• Check the garage door closes completely each time you enter and exit, so that potential offenders cannot sneak in.

How to reduce your risk of break-in

Diligence in maintaining and monitoring building rules around parking, storage, maintenance and common areas is very effective in preventing crime.

Some apartment complexes have an intercom system. Used properly, this is an invaluable security tool allowing residents to control entry of visitors to their building. The intercom system acts as an effective deterrent to offenders. If a person asks to be allowed access and you do not know them, refer them to management.

Legitimate visitors may still be potential offenders; avoid allowing them unsupervised access to communal areas of the building. You are responsible for your visitors. Make sure they behave in an appropriate manner when in your building.

Communal areas, such as laundries, staircases and swimming pools, require extra consideration from all occupants. Keyed access to these areas helps maintain security of the building.

Many high-rise break-ins occur through open or unlocked balcony doors. Living several floors up doesn’t offer absolute security from intruders. Poor security habits can allow an intruder easy access to your home. External doors and screens to balconies should be locked when the unit is unmonitored.

Lighting is a valuable deterrent. Ideally, it should illuminate entry and exit points, fire exits, stairwells and other vulnerable areas.

It is recommended that foliage and lighting are well maintained to ensure clear sight lines and limited areas of concealment by offenders.

Garages, stored property, vehicles and motorcycles are common targets for offenders.

Most high-rise units have lifts for access. Ideally, occupants should only have access to their own level and common areas.

A lapse in security of communal areas including garages compromises the security of the whole building.

Due to the nature of multi-residential living, it is easy to underestimate the benefits of knowing your neighbour. If you and your neighbour are aware of each other’s general habits you can help prevent crime by being alert to anything out of the ordinary.

Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch group. 

Further information can be found on Multi-residential Living Security information sheet.

Marking and recording your property helps deter theft and provides proof of ownership. By marking and recording your property, you will also assist police in identifying and returning stolen property to its rightful owner.

• More information about property identification and recording