Security for Home and Person

Home and personal safety are issues that concern the community in general. Older people (in particular) need to feel safe and secure to continue living independently. Worry about crime to the extent that it affects their quality of life. There are some basic measures that can be taken to increase home security and personal safety.

In the home

Doors

• Use key operated locks on all external doors. It’s a good idea to keep doors locked even when you are inside the house
• If you have deadlocks, keep the keys in the locks on the inside when you are home in case you need to leave quickly
• If there is more than one key operated lock they should be keyed alike, i.e. one key will operate all locks
• Sliding glass doors can be secured by fitting a double-sided locking handle, deadbolt lock or a patio door bolt
• Don’t hide spare keys in easily found places such as under a door mat, leave them instead with someone like a trusted neighbour
• The area around the doorway should be well lit to help identify callers. A sensor light that will activate at night when you come home may be helpful
• Always secure your house if you are outside in the garden or visiting a neighbour even for a few minutes

For electronic security services look in the yellow pages under “Burglar alarms – Domestic and Commercial”

Windows

• There are many suitable key operated locks available for windows including double hung windows, sliding windows and casement or hopper windows
• Louvered windows are not secure and should be replaced by solid glass or covered with a security screen

Phone calls

• Don’t give your name or address to any unknown caller
• Also do not give your name or address on your answering machine or say anything that indicates that you live alone or are not home
• Never reveal to a caller that you are the only person in the house or reveal your movements e.g. that you are going out
• It is wise not to give any personal information over the phone even if the caller says they are from a legitimate organisation. Take the caller’s name and phone number if you are in doubt and ring the caller back
• If you have a nuisance call, say nothing and hang up quickly. If you continue to have nuisance calls tell the police and the telephone company and consider installing an answering machine
• Keep police, emergency services, relatives’ and doctors’ telephone numbers next to the phone and consider installing a “touch phone”. This allows the recording of important numbers for immediate dialling

Visitors

• A peephole in a door or a security screen door will let you identify a visitor before you open the door
• Never tell an unknown person that you are the only one at home
• People who are from legitimate companies carry identification cards. Check by telephoning their company if you are not sure about their identification

Out and about

Street safe

• If possible walk with another person
• If you walk alone vary your route and time
• Avoid walking where the lighting is poor
• Do not carry large amounts of money or valuables
• Keep alert. If you think someone is following you, head for the nearest lit or inhabited area
• Be wary if someone in a car stops to ask you directions. Do not carry on a conversation
• If someone harasses you, try to recall the description of the person or vehicle and report the matter to the police

Shopping

• Carry a handbag close to your body or under your arm with the strap secured. Never let the bag or strap hang loosely
• Do not leave a bag in a shopping trolley while you look for items
• It is advisable not to resist if someone tries to snatch your bag. Loss of money is better than physical injury
• Carry only the money you will need and/or put a wallet inside a front pocket

ATM Banking

• Find a way to remember your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not have it written near your card and do not let anyone see you enter your PIN
• Be aware of people around you or watching you, never count your cash in view of others
• An option is to use EFTPOS services available at many shops and service stations. Ensure transactions with your card are always carried out in your full view

Mobile phones

• Keep mobiles out of sight when not in use
• Ensure your phone has the following activated:
  1. Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  2. Security Code. All mobile phones have a built-in security code. When the code is activated the phone will not work with another SIM card. The phone is then useless to thieves
  3. Notify your network carrier and police immediately if the phone is lost or stolen

Travelling by car

• Drive with your doors locked at all times
• Don’t respond to taunts from other drivers
• If someone is being aggressive on the road, stay calm and avoid eye contact. Drive to a safe place rather than your home
• Park in well-lit busy areas. Lock your car doors and close the windows when you leave it
• When you leave your car, don’t leave valuables in view or your keys in the ignition
• Keep your car well maintained to ensure it is reliable
• When travelling with a friend or in a taxi, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside
• Always have your car or house key in your hand as you approach your car or home
• Monitor your driving ability and be prepared to listen to family and medical opinion about continuing to drive

Useful contacts and resources

SA Police Home Assist Sceme offers free home security audits, tel. 8226 2919. The webpage for the scheme provides links to fact sheets including Are You Secure? and Personal Safety

The Neighbourhood Watch Association - for further information about home security
Tel (08) 8204 2205, (08) 8204 2238

Local councils may offer assistance with home security and some have a Crime Prevention Officer.