Heading away for a few weeks is exciting. Coming home to a broken window or missing belongings is not. Most break ins are not elaborate. Police often describe criminals as opportunistic, and an empty house with obvious signs is an easy target.
Making your home look lived in takes a little planning. Some of it is about locks and lighting, and some is simply about what people can see from the street. This guide brings together crime prevention advice from police and local government so you can leave with peace of mind.
Start with the basics
Tasmania Police shared a simple reminder ahead of the holidays. Lock all doors and windows every time you leave home. Keep them locked even while you are home. Police also noted a trend of cars stolen after house keys were taken, with thieves seeing keys through a window or walking in through a front door left open.
The Tasmania Police holiday crime prevention advice also suggests keeping car keys and valuables out of sight. A key bowl beside the front door is convenient, but it can be seen from outside. Move it somewhere out of view. The same goes for laptops, phones and handbags left near windows.
Check your locks, screens and alarms
The City of Melville home security checklist recommends adequate locks on all doors and windows. That includes garage doors and shed doors, which are easy to forget. It also suggests security screens on doors and windows and a security alarm. Displaying signage that shows you have an alarm can help as well.
Windows deserve a careful look before you go. Older frames and simple latches are often the weak point. If you are curious about the material itself, these facts about glass make an interesting read. For upgrades, a qualified locksmith or glazier can advise on what suits your home.
Make the house look lived in
An empty home tends to give itself away. Overflowing letterboxes, bins left on the kerb and dark windows night after night are all signs. The City of Melville suggests asking a neighbour to collect your mail daily. It also suggests asking them to put your bins out on bin night and bring them back in.
Lighting helps too. The City of Melville suggests considering external security sensor lights and keeping all surrounding lights in good working order. If you are adding new outdoor lighting, it needs to be installed properly. Our list of questions to ask your electrician is useful before you book the work.
If you still have a landline, the City of Melville suggests turning down the ringing volume. A phone that rings out for days can be heard from outside. It is a small step, but it removes one more clue. These little details add up.
Keep the garden tidy and visible
Good design around the house can make it harder for someone to go unnoticed. The City of Melville suggests trimming bushes and trees so there are clear views of the home. It also suggests checking that a front fence allows clear views. A tidy, open front yard means neighbours and passers by can see what is happening.
Think about what could help someone climb or force entry. The checklist suggests locking away tools and ladders. It also suggests storing bins away from the fence so they cannot be used as a climbing aid. Locking the meter box and making the street number clearly visible are on the list as well.
If you are planning garden changes, keep sight lines from the street in mind. Our garden design tips can help you plan beds and screening that still leave the front of the house in view. Low planting near windows and paths is often a sensible choice. Ask a garden designer if you are unsure.
Spare keys and trusted neighbours
Hiding a spare key under a pot plant is an old habit that is worth dropping. The City of Melville suggests giving spare keys to a trusted person instead of hiding them outside. Anyone looking for a way in will know the usual hiding places. A neighbour or family member is a far better option.
The checklist also suggests telling neighbours your holiday dates and leaving emergency contact details. That way they know when to expect the house to be empty. They can also contact you if something looks wrong. Some councils, such as the City of Melville, run holiday watch patrols that residents can register for.
Be careful what you share online
Posting photos from the beach is tempting. Tasmania Police suggest holding off on holiday photos until you return. Posting while you are away can signal that your home is empty. The City of Melville checklist gives the same advice about keeping holiday plans and dates off social media.
Check who can see your posts and your location settings before you leave. Ask family members to do the same. Teenagers in particular may share more than you expect. A quick chat before the trip can avoid an unwanted visit.
Parcels, packaging and valuables
Online shopping does not stop just because you are away. Tasmania Police suggest having purchases delivered to a secure location rather than left exposed. Parcels on the doorstep or in a letterbox without a lock are easy targets. Consider pausing deliveries or using a parcel locker while you travel.
Packaging can also give away what is inside your home. Tasmania Police suggest flattening cardboard boxes and putting them in the bin or taking them to the tip. Do not leave packaging from expensive electronics beside the door or near your bins. Our tips on packing boxes for a home move include some handy ideas for dealing with boxes too.
The City of Melville suggests marking valuables with a UV pen. It also suggests keeping an inventory with photos of items that cannot be marked. This makes it easier to report and identify items if something is stolen. Store the list somewhere other than the house, such as a secure online folder.
Frequently asked questions
Should I hide a spare key outside?
No. The City of Melville suggests giving spare keys to a trusted person rather than hiding them outside. Common hiding spots are well known.
Is it safe to post holiday photos while I am away?
Police suggest waiting until you return. Posting while away can signal that your home is empty. Check your privacy and location settings too.
What can neighbours do to help?
They can collect your mail, put your bins out and keep an eye on the house. Give them your travel dates and emergency contact details. They can then let you know if anything looks wrong.
Does the garden affect home security?
It can. Overgrown bushes and solid front fences can block views of the home. The City of Melville suggests trimming plants and keeping clear views from the street.
Crime prevention programs and advice differ between states and councils. Check with your local police or council for services in your area, such as holiday watch patrols or Neighbourhood Watch.
