The holiday season is all about good times, great laughs and making memories with mates and family.

However, cost-of-living pressures may be fuelling a notable rise in thefts, with property-related offences increasing by 11.5% in the 12 months to June 30, according to the latest Victorian crime statistics released today by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA). The data reveals a significant uptick in items stolen through burglary, break-and-enter incidents, and other theft offences[i].

In NSW, while property offences in Greater Sydney have stabilised over the past two years, some regions such as Parramatta (up 11.3%), the Northern Beaches (up 10.4%) and the Central Coast up 10.5% are reporting more property offences including break and enters. In regional NSW, property offences are up 8%[ii]. 

As the summer holidays approach – a time when burglars often get busy – to make sure the only uninvited guest in your home this festive season is the jolly man in the red suit, we’ve provided some simple steps to keep your property safe and secure and send any holiday crooks packing.

It’s fair to say that many police officers around Australia will likely recommend security cameras as one of the most effective ways to deter intruders during the holiday season and throughout the rest of the year for that matter. Fortunately, setting up cameras is now more affordable than it once was. According to Cable & Connect, in 2024, the average cost of installing a security camera ranges from $100 to $500[iii] - security camera costs depend on factors such as the type of camera, whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use, and the specific requirements of your property.

Or, if you want to take your home security up a notch, an alarm system is a great way to deter thieves, especially if it can be seen from the street. According to Canstar, the price of a home security alarm system can vary from between several hundred to several thousand dollars but based on a survey of costs from Australian home repairs marketplaces and security providers, you may expect to pay around $2,000-$2,500 on average[iv].

Motion sensor lighting is another tried and tested method to surprise thieves and the average cost of a motion-sensor spotlight is around $40 and comes out to be around $200 after installation fees[v].

If this is beyond your budget, there are still simple and affordable ways to keep troublemakers at bay during the summer holidays—no need for Kevin McCallister-level Home Alone tactics to outsmart them.

Begin by ensuring all your doors have high-quality locks in good working order, particularly deadlocks, and that windows are equipped with keyed locks or security grills. If your property has sliding doors or windows, a metal or wooden rod wedged in the track can prevent the crooks jamming them open from the outside.

If you have alarms and sensor lights, make sure to secure your power box. This simple strategy prevents burglars from tampering with your security systems. Additionally, lock your gates and repair any gaps in fences that crooks can squeeze through to add an additional layer of security.

Creating the impression that your home is occupied is another effective deterrent. Leave blinds or curtains in their usual positions and this is where installing a sensor light that activates when someone approaches could prove a handy deterrent to the lawbreakers. 

Smartphones can also provide apps to help remotely control your lights, or you can use timers to switch lights and televisions on and off at different times. 

For a more traditional approach, hang old clothes on the line or leave a pair of shoes near the front door to suggest someone is home.

Don't forget to suspend your mail delivery while you’re away, as overflowing mailboxes are a sure giveaway that a property is empty. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail, park a car in your driveway, and put out your rubbish bins for collection.

Even adopting a few of these measures can significantly improve your property’s security and help ensure you and your belongings have a safe and secure festive season.

For more tips on keeping your property secure this holiday season contact your local Raine & Horne office for advice.  
[i] https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/media-release-property-and-deception-offences-continue-to-rise 
[ii] https://bocsar.nsw.gov.au/documents/publications/rcs/rcs-quarterly/2024q2/NSW_Recorded_Crime_Jun_2024.pdf
[iii] https://www.cableandconnect.com.au/blog/2024-affordable-security-camera-installation-cost-cctv-cameras
[iv] https://www.canstar.com.au/home-insurance/how-much-does-a-security-alarm-cost/?si=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr7C6BhDRARIsAOUKifgq3X7f2ML9SFwCksIhQxAq3kDzqs9gePpq6aoL2s0muECcH89bvxcaAojZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
[v] https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-motion-sensor-lights-cost.htm