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Home Security

Introduction

Unfortunately house-breaking is one of the most common crimes. About 600 homes are broken into every day in Australia. So your odds are not good but you can help to minimise the chance of it happening to you.

Most of home break-ins appear to be crimes of opportunity with entry into your home gained through an open or unlocked window or door.

Most of the intruders are looking for an easy and quick target such as a house that has been left open or unlocked where they can get what they want with relative ease and then make a quick getaway.

When you make your home more secure apart from giving you better piece of mine you will should also make your insurance costs come down as you have reduced the risk of theft. Document the security upgrades that you have applied to your home to your insurance company.

Quick Reference

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The Costs

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New Homes

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Security Doors

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Aluminium Doors and Windows

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Steel Doors and Windows

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Window and Door Grilles

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Glass

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Alarm Systems

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Additional Pricing

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Smart Tips

The Costs

You do not have to spend a fortune on home security. There are things that you can do that cost nothing. Care and vigilance is free. If we all made the effort to lock up securely before we left home the effect that would have on break in numbers would be greatly reduced.

One easy thing that everyone can do is to make sure that tress and shrubs that you have around your home are kept trimmed so that they do not provide cover for would be thieves to hide behind. If they are bushy and near a door or window then they can give plenty of cover to a thief to break into your home.

New Homes

If you are in the process of building a new home it is wise to talk to your architect about designing it to prevent crime. It is the best time to plan your home security as you can save on costs by including some security measures in the building process. If you have to implement some of these after your home is built the costs will be higher.

You can insist on using solid doors, locks on windows, the elimination of dark spots around the house, improved exterior lighting, an alarm system and some quality deadlocks on doors.

Security Doors

If you want to have a door open for ventilation you should consider installing a security door that complies with Australian Standards 2803 and 2804. A good quality security door should have the certifying label clearly marked on the door. It should also have a heavy duty frame, three security hinges, a dead lock and be of 7mm mesh (if aluminium) or 10-12mm square bars if steel.

For a steel screen door that provides medium protection expect to pay about $160
For a steel screen door that offers heavy duty protection you will pay about $220

Aluminium Doors and Windows

Aluminium is generally the cheapest option and provides reasonable protection so long as they have a sturdy build. The grille designs need to be closely spaced as aluminium is fairly soft.

Frames should be reinforced with steel brackets in the corners and the mesh should be of the heaviest gauge - riveted into the frame.

For doors - expect to pay about $250 for a quality door
For windows - expect to pay $180 - for a 1500mm x 1200mm widow including installation
For more strength choose a triple locking system ($75) as well as specially designed security hinges

Steel Doors and Windows

Steel is stronger than aluminium and the grill e designs can be more open. You can have a standard pattern or have one designed to match your doors.

Expect to pay around $700 as a staring point for a standard size door

For windows you could expect to pay around $300 for a 1500mm x 1200mm window including installation.

You can also have doors and windows that are made from woven stainless steel mesh which means there is no need for bars and you won't need flyscreens. The price for these will be about $300 per square metre including installation

Remember that any door is only as strong as the screws and frame that hold it in place. You can get a steel door jam from about $200 that fits over the existing timber frame. It can be used with aluminium or steel screen door to make it crow bar proof.

If you don't want to use a screen you could install a steel door jamb in conjunction with a sturdy timber door. Make sure you fit the door with deadlocks (from about $45 -$160) for better security.

Window and Door Grilles

These need to be able to allow for quick escape in case of a fire. Some have removable panels and others are hinged and have a push release for easy opening. You can also get aluminium louvres in fabric to look like vertical drapes which will cost about $300 per square metre (installed).

Another option is to have removable bars for more functional rooms such as laundries and bathrooms which will cost around $330 for a window 1500mm x 1200mm.

Glass

Laminated or toughened glass can provide better security and prices start around the $150 per square metre. It is also possible to have a shatter proof glass film which will cost about $60 a metre. For a standard sliding door it would cost about $200. This film helps to hold the glass intact making it hard to remove.

Alarm Systems

Alarms are an effective way to deterrent that can stop the burglars who have managed to enter your home. A good system should have it's own power supply, contain infra-red heat and movement detectors as well as having a panic button that will allow you to set off the alarm if you are at home and either see someone outside or hear a noise.

Alarms should comply with Australian Standards 2201. If the alarm system is to be monitored it must include Austel approved dialler and wiring and the installer must be licensed. Whilst alarm systems can be quite expensive some hardware stores have simpler systems that will cost you around $400.

Most alarm systems will cost around the $1,000 mark and then the company will offer various levels of monitoring which will cost you a certain amount each month. You can also have a system where the company will send out a response team if your alarm is set off. This will involve a call out fee (approx $50).

Another option is to have a video surveillance camera installed at your home. These cameras start at around $150 and a complete keep watch system will cost about $1,000.

Additional Pricing

Security bars from galvanised steel with powder coating - from about $190 per square metre
Sensor Floodlights - activated when someone walks on front of them - priced from about $40
Solar Powered garden light will cost from around $100 per light
A peephole in your door to allow you to see who is there will cost around $12
A sliding door patio bolt will cost about $30
Window locks -will cost you about $50 for a pack of four
Intercom system - will cost about $700
A video system similar to the intercom system will cost approx $1,800
Security shutters cost around $250 per square metre installed
Strengthened flyscreens that are made from dense stainless steel cost about $250 per square metre installed
You can also get an imitation surveillance camera from hardware stores that do not work but may act as a deterrent to potential thieves. These cost about $50
A screen door lock will cost around $45

Smart tips

Your property will be less likely to be stolen if it is marked using a police service property identification system. Talk to your local police station about this service. By having some details on your property it makes it harder to unload for the thief.

If you go out at night make sure you leave some lights on as well as the radio. If your home looks lived in all the time it makes it a harder target for thieves.

Be involved with neighbourhood watch schemes.

Don't leave notes on the door that tell people you are out and when you will be back

Always lock up even if you are going out - even if it is only for a short time.

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