5 steps to improve your home’s security

We all know the saying, "There's no place like home." It's where we feel most at ease and where we want to feel safest. But in a world where security concerns are rising, how can you make sure your home is truly protected?

According to the Real Neighbours Report, nearly 1 in 4 Australians (24%) have outdoor security cameras – a clear sign that more households are taking home security seriously. 

The good news? There are simple measures you can put in place to improve your home’s security. Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, these five practical steps can help you feel more safe and secure in your home. 

1. Invest in home security cameras

One of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your home's security is by installing cameras. From video doorbells to multi-angle setups, security cameras give you greater visibility over what's happening around your home, day or night. 

Cameras can act as a deterrent to opportunistic intruders and can offer 24/7 monitoring via live-streamed footage and motion alerts. This technology can also provide helpful evidence if an incident such as theft or vandalism does occur, making it easier to identify suspects and assist with police investigations.

What to consider when buying security cameras

• Location matters: Consider adding cameras to your home’s entry points, such as front doors, backdoor entrances and side access points.
• Pick the right features: Night vision, motion sensors, and two-way audio are especially useful – not just for spotting movement but for interacting with delivery drivers or unexpected visitors.
• Consider the setup: If you're renting or want a quick, no-fuss solution? With pre-approval from your landlord or real estate agency, wireless security cameras are usually easy to install and move as needed. Own a home? A professionally installed system might be better for long-term reliability.

2. Install motion detector lighting

Motion-activated lighting can be an effective way to improve home safety, especially after dark. According to the NSW Police, criminals don’t like to be seen and having security lighting installed in key areas of your property can deter thieves. Instead of leaving lights on all night, motion lighting activates only when movement is detected, offering security and energy efficiency.

Best spots to place motion lights

• Entrances: Fit motion lights near your front door, back door, and any side doors or access points.
• Shadowy spots: Add lighting to dark areas like side paths, sheds, carports or garden corners where visibility is low.
• Driveways: Not only does this boost security, but it also makes it safer for you and your family when arriving home after dark.

3. Use door deadlocks on key access points

Deadlocks may sound like an obvious suggestion, but sometimes the simplest upgrades are the most effective. A properly installed deadlock can make it far more difficult to force entry through your main door, helping to boost your home’s security. 

Look for locks made of hardened steel that meet Australian Standards. If possible, have these locks professionally installed to ensure they're fitted correctly and securely. Consider upgrading to smart locks if you'd like to monitor and control access remotely through a home security app.

Plus, don’t forget about other access points like security screen doors that help let fresh air in while adding an extra barrier to deter an intruder. Consider adding bolts, locks, or rods to sliding doors to prevent them from being forced open.

4. Consider a home security system

If you're looking to tie everything together, a home security system can offer more comprehensive protection – and peace of mind. 

A good security system might include an alarm setup with door and window sensors, video doorbells, motion detectors and smart home integration. Some also include smoke alarm connectivity or remote access via your mobile phone so you can monitor your home from anywhere. If something triggers the system, it'll send you an alert so you’re kept up-to-date. 

5. Keep valuable documents out of sight

We often think about physical items like laptops or jewellery when it comes to theft. But documents can be just as valuable – especially when it comes to identity theft. Important paperwork like birth certificates, passports, tax records, or financial statements should never be left out in the open.

Use a lockable filing cabinet or a small fireproof safe to protect hard copies, and consider switching to digital statements where possible. Cloud storage can be a safe and secure way to store your records – just make sure your accounts are protected with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. When it's time to get rid of old documents, run them through a shredder before recycling them. 

Plus, it’s important to keep your home’s internet system safe and secure: 

• Use a strong password: 1 in 8 Australians (13%) have either caught or suspected a neighbour using their internet without permission, so choose a long, unique password that isn't easy to guess.
• Enable encryption: Make sure your network is protected with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, which scrambles your data and makes it hard for unauthorised users to gain access.
• Refresh login details: Regularly update your network name and password, especially if you've given access to guests in the past or changed routers. 

What to avoid to keep your home as safe as possible 

Even with the right security tools in place, everyday habits can make a big difference. Simple oversights like forgetting to lock a door can compromise the safety of your home. Here are some common habits to avoid if you want to keep your home as secure as possible:

• Leaving doors or windows unlocked: Break ins can take place in just a few minutes, so be sure to lock up, even if you’re only making a quick dash to the shops.
• Hiding spare keys in obvious spots: The doormat, a pot plant, or a window ledge – these are the first places someone will check. Try keeping a spare key with a trusted friend instead.
• Letting your home look neglected: Overgrown hedges or untidy front yards can signal that no one's home and give intruders a place to hide. Keep your garden neat and your entrances well-lit.
• Sharing holiday plans online: Posting on social media while you're away can alert potential burglars that your home is empty. If you're heading off, wait until you return to share those sunny getaway photos.
• Ignoring false alarms: If your alarm or motion sensors go off regularly for no reason, it's worth investigating to get to the bottom of what’s happening. 

Research shows neighbourhood relationships improve safety

According to the Real Neighbours report, nearly 7 in 10 Australians (69%) believe their community has some form of a neighbourhood watch culture and nearly 1 in 5 (18%) describe their community as highly engaged. Plus, 1 in 3 (33%) feel reassured knowing others are looking out for the community, while over 1 in 4 (27%) say they feel safer and more secure.

While installing the right security gear is important, human connection also plays a big role. Nearly 3 in 5 (57%) have called the police on a neighbour before, or say they wouldn't hesitate to call if something didn't seem right.

Feeling safe often comes down to knowing someone's nearby and looking out for your home when you're not. Whether it's returning a parcel, flagging suspicious activity or helping out during an emergency, community awareness can be one of the most underrated tools for security.

Keep Reading: Find out what to do if a break-in ever happens and revisit your home safety checklist.

Feeling safe at home is something we all deserve – and with a few simple steps, like installing motion lights or a wireless camera, you can help make your space feel more secure and more comfortable.

But even with the best precautions, unexpected events can still occur. That's where Real Home and Contents insurance can provide added peace of mind – by helping cover the cost of lost or damaged belongings if the unexpected happens. 

To learn more about how you can protect what matters most, by getting a quote online today. It's a small step that could make a big difference when you need it the most.