Burglars planning to swipe items from your residence during vacation time
Protecting Your Home and Valuables During the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to take precautions to secure your home and valuables. Burglaries tend to increase during this period, and Victorians should be vigilant in safeguarding their belongings.
To secure your home, consider implementing physical security enhancements such as locking all doors and windows consistently, even when you're home or only stepping out briefly. Installing motion sensor lighting and automatic light timers can create the appearance of occupancy and deter burglars. Security cameras with cloud storage and smart features like motion-triggered floodlights can monitor key areas such as entry points, garages, and yards. A home alarm system that alerts you or authorities to unauthorized entry is also a valuable deterrent. Smart locks that can be monitored and controlled remotely can ensure doors are locked at all times.
Protecting valuables inside the home is equally important. Keeping cash, important documents, jewelry, and electronics out of sight from windows can help avoid tempting burglars. Store sensitive items like documents and jewelry in a fireproof and theft-resistant safe anchored securely. For tools and electronics, keep them locked in secure areas such as a locked garage or a storage room. Consider climate-controlled storage for delicate electronics or instruments if you plan to store them long term elsewhere.
Car security is another critical aspect to consider. Park cars in locked garages where possible. Use steering wheel locks or car alarms as additional deterrents. Avoid leaving valuables like bags or electronics visible inside vehicles.
Handling online shopping deliveries also requires careful consideration. Have packages delivered to a secure location such as a parcel locker, your workplace, or a trusted neighbor’s home. Use delivery services that allow you to schedule deliveries or require signatures. If packages must be left at home, consider installing a lockable package drop box or security cameras covering the porch or delivery area.
Additional preventative measures when away include putting a hold on mail and newspaper deliveries to avoid signs of vacancy. Avoid posting travel plans or absence on social media to prevent advertising that your home will be empty. Ask trusted neighbors to monitor for suspicious activity and perform visible maintenance such as lawn mowing to maintain the appearance of occupancy.
It's important to safeguard your passport by keeping it in a secure location, such as a locked safe or hidden drawer. Cash and documents were the number one theft target from Victorian homes, with a total of $14,341,672 reported stolen. Online shopping orders are at risk of theft, especially during holidays or when left unattended.
Residential burglary offences in Victoria have seen an increase of nearly 9% from 2023 to 2024, with 26,817 burglaries and break-and-enter offences reported for the year ending 30 June 2024. Electrical appliances such as 9,612 electrical appliances were stolen from Victorian homes in the year ending June 2024. Portable technology like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are attractive to burglars because they're highly portable and quick to resell on online marketplaces.
Simple precautions to improve home security while away include securing the perimeter of the property and investing in security systems such as timed or sensor lights and home alarms. Cars are often the single most valuable item stolen, with 9,985 motor vehicles stolen from Victorian residential locations in the year ending June 2024. RACV Home Insurance can provide protection in the event of theft.
By combining physical security improvements with practical behaviors and technology, you reduce your risk of burglary and help protect specific valuables like cash, documents, cars, electronics, jewelry, tools, and online purchases during the vulnerable holiday period. Taking the "How Safe Is My Place?" quiz can help Victorians learn about their home's vulnerability to crime and receive security tips tailored to their home.
- To safeguard your lifestyle during the holiday season, it's necessary to pay attention to home-and-garden security, especially valuables like cash and electronics, by keeping them out of sight and securing them in a fireproof and theft-resistant safe.
- General-news reports show an increase in crime-and-justice incidents such as burglaries and motor vehicle thefts in Victoria during the past year, highlighting the importance of implementing physical security enhancements for home and car protection.
