How to Secure Your Property Against Break-Ins and Deal With Accidental Lock-Outs as Well

As in any advanced economy, Australian homeowners always have to face the risk of break-ins and theft. Allianz reports that in 2010, around 450,000 successful or attempted break-ins were recorded across the country. It's no wonder that 36 percent of Aussies feel worried that their home will be targeted in the next year.

So if the risk of becoming a burglary victim is real, what can homeowners do to make their properties secure?

Choose Locks that are Resistant to Bumping

"Lock Bumping" is the most common way thieves use to gain access to homes across Australia, and all home owners should install locks that make it as hard as possible.

The technique targets cheaper and older cylinder locks via what's known as a "bump key", which dislodges the pins in most of these antiquated locks. Thankfully, DC1 or LSGP locks are available that make lock bumping almost impossible, and master locksmiths in your area will be able to install them in your property.

Secure All Possible Access Points

Door locks are the major access point to Australian homes, but they aren't your only worry. For example, cars can be used to store devices that open garage doors. When thieves break into your car, they can then gain access to your home via the garage – so make sure your vehicles are secure as well as your home.

Windows are another vulnerable point. A set of professionally installed cable locks should be able to secure the majority of home windows above ground level, but when windows are close to the ground, go for locks that don't allow the window to be opened, not even a crack. Cable locks can be cut, while key operated locks are more secure.

Install a Home Safe to House Your Valuables

If you possess a large amount of jewellery, coins or any other expensive (and not too bulky) items, a home safe is a sensible option. Fire resistant home safes with digital keypads can be ordered online and installed in a discreet location away from major access points.

It's worth consulting a locksmith to help with the safe installation. Not only will they be able to offer advice about the right way to configure and place your safe, but having a reliable mobile locksmith in your area provides peace of mind should you lose access to your own safe. It does happen, and a good mobile locksmith will be able to restore access in no time.

All of these security measures need to be combined to make your home as secure as possible. It's important to note that all of them require locks to be installed. Every extra line of defence makes it tougher for thieves to gain access, but it also makes it more inconvenient when you accidentally lose access yourself. So whatever mixture of security devices you choose, work with master locksmiths who have a mobile locksmith on their team. That way, you can deal with accidents and install gold-standard security equipment at the same time.