Ipswich Police are encouraging residents to make home security part of their everyday routine, warning that simple measures such as locking doors, securing sheds and keeping valuables out of sight can reduce opportunities for thieves.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Crime Watch, Senior Constable Chantelle Dowell from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit said the message followed National Secure Your Home Day, which was marked with a free community event on the weekend.
The event, delivered through Neighbourhood Watch, focused on helping residents better protect their homes, property and personal information.
While the national awareness day provided an opportunity to put home security in the spotlight, Senior Constable Dowell said the precautions promoted during the event should be practised throughout the year.
“We always encourage people to do that all the time, not just on one weekend,” she said.
Start with the basics
Police say some of the most effective security measures are also among the simplest.
Residents should ensure doors and windows are locked not only when leaving home, but also when they are inside.
Curtains should be closed at night, particularly where valuable belongings could otherwise be easily seen from outside.
Garages, garden sheds and gates should also be properly secured.
Senior Constable Dowell said residents should make a habit of checking their property to ensure everything has been locked, particularly garage doors that can sometimes be accidentally left open.
Sliding windows and doors can be further secured using a metal pin or suitable piece of wood to restrict their movement.
“The main thing is just make sure everything’s locked and secured and valuables are out of sight,” she said.
Don’t give thieves an easy way in
Residents are also being encouraged to look around their properties from a potential offender’s perspective and identify items that could make gaining access easier.
Ladders and wheelie bins, for example, should not be left in positions where they could be used to reach windows or upper levels of a home.
Maintaining gardens can also improve security.
Police recommend trimming hedges and bushes around windows and doors to reduce potential hiding places and improve visibility around entrances.
Vehicle security should also be considered, with anti-theft screws available to make number plates more difficult to remove.
Get to know your neighbours
Neighbourhood connections can provide another valuable layer of security.
Senior Constable Dowell encouraged residents to get to know the people living around them so neighbours can keep an eye out for each other’s properties and report suspicious behaviour.
“If they’re looking out for you, you can look out for them and everyone’s looking out for each other,” she said.
Residents wanting more crime prevention and security information can access advice through Queensland Police resources, including the MyPolice information service.
New police volunteers welcomed
The Ipswich District has also welcomed new Volunteers in Policing, commonly known as VIPs.
Senior Constable Dowell said the volunteers support police at public and community events and provide another connection between Queensland Police and local residents.
People interested in becoming a Volunteer in Policing can find further information through the Queensland Police website or contact the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit.
How to report suspicious activity
Police are reminding residents that suspicious activity and non-urgent offences can be reported through Policelink on 131 444.
For an emergency or crime happening now, residents should call Triple Zero (000).
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Residents seeking further crime prevention advice can contact the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit at Ripley Police Station on 3436 3479.
Police say home security does not necessarily require expensive technology or major changes. Instead, consistently locking up, keeping valuables out of view, removing easy access points and looking out for neighbours can all contribute to making homes less attractive targets.
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