Home security blind spots: Simple checks you may be missing

Key takeaways

• A practical walkaround checklist to help spot home security blind spots
• Home security tips for side gates, side paths, garages, sheds and hidden windows
• Key insurance considerations when reviewing your home and contents cover

Some home security gaps are easy to spot. Others sit quietly in the background – an unlocked side gate, a ladder beside the shed, a small open bathroom window, or a storage cage with valuables in clear view.

That's why a simple walkaround can be one of the most useful home safety tips. Instead of looking only at the front door, it encourages you to look at your property with fresh eyes.

Your home security walkaround checklist

The Real Property Report 2025 found that 3 in 5 Australian buyers reported unexpected property issues after purchase, despite conducting inspections. Not every hidden issue is a security issue, but it’s a helpful reminder that familiar spaces can still hold surprises.

This checklist helps you move around your home with fresh eyes and notice the areas you may miss in everyday life.

Keep reading: 5 steps to improve your home’s security

Front boundary and street view

Begin at the front of your property and look at your home as though you're seeing it for the first time.

Ask yourself:

• Is your street number clearly visible from the road?
• Is the front path well lit after dark?
• Does your letterbox close securely?
• Can parcels be delivered somewhere out of sight?
• Do shrubs, trees or fences block visibility around doors and windows?
• Is side access visible from the street?

According to the NSW Police home security guidance, clearly displaying your house number, maintaining fences and gates, and trimming vegetation around entry points can improve visibility and help support home security.

Keep reading: Someone broke into my house: What should I do?

Side gates and side paths

Side access is one of the easiest areas to forget because you may not use it often. Walk down each side path and check whether a person could move through the space without being seen.

Look for:

• side gates that do not latch properly
• gates left unlocked during the day
• bins, outdoor furniture or storage boxes that could be used to climb
• dark corners where lighting does not reach
• meter boxes or power boards that are easy to access
• doors or windows that open onto the side path

NSW Police recommend keeping perimeter fences in good order and gates closed and locked to restrict unauthorised access. It also recommends quality security lighting around the home’s perimeter.

Garage doors and the internal garage door

Garages are often used to store some of the most valuable items around the home, including vehicles, bicycles, power tools and sporting equipment.

As part of your walkaround, check whether:

• the garage door closes completely every time
• remote controls are stored securely
• vehicles are locked when parked inside
• side garage doors lock properly
• tools are stored securely when not in use
• the internal door connecting the garage to the home closes and locks correctly

Sheds, tools and outdoor equipment

Garden sheds and outdoor storage areas can sometimes provide more than just access to your belongings. Items stored outside may also be used to gain access to other parts of your property.

Check whether:

• sheds can be locked securely
• ladders are stored away after use
• power tools aren’t left visible from outside the property
• gardening equipment could be used to force entry or climb fences
• spare keys are hidden in predictable locations
• bicycles, scooters or outdoor equipment are secured when not in use

NSW Police recommend securing tools and equipment when not in use, as these items can sometimes be used to assist unauthorised entry.

Windows you rarely think about

Most people remember to lock front windows, but smaller or less frequently used windows can be easy to overlook.

Walk around your home and look for:

• bathroom windows
• laundry windows
• side-facing windows hidden by fences or vegetation
• garage windows
• windows left partially open for ventilation
• damaged flyscreens or window locks

While a small window may seem difficult to access, it can still provide visibility into the home or create an opportunity for entry.

Good visibility around windows is also important. Overgrown plants can create hiding spots and make it harder for neighbours or passers-by to notice suspicious activity.

Keep reading: 5 ways you can protect your home against unexpected events

Gardens, fences and visibility

Privacy is important, but it's worth considering whether parts of your property have become too concealed.

As you walk around the perimeter, check whether:

• shrubs block sightlines to doors and windows
• fences have gaps or damaged sections
• outdoor lighting covers key access points
• security cameras, if installed, have clear visibility

Natural surveillance is a recognised crime prevention principle. When areas around your home are visible, unusual activity may be more noticeable.

This doesn't mean removing all privacy features. Instead, aim for a balance between privacy and visibility around entrances and access points.

Balconies, apartments and storage cages

If you live in an apartment, unit or townhouse, your security walkaround may look a little different.

Consider checking:

• balcony doors and locks
• ground-floor balcony access points
• apartment storage cages
• bicycle storage areas
• shared hallways and entry doors
• parcel collection areas

Reviewing your home and contents insurance

A home security review can also be a useful opportunity to review your insurance cover.

If you have home insurance, consider whether:

• your building sum insured reflects current rebuilding costs
• your contents sum insured reflects the value of your belongings
• you've recently purchased high-value items that may increase the value of your contents
• renovations, extensions or upgrades have changed the value of your home
• your level of cover still suits your current circumstances

Underinsurance can leave homeowners facing unexpected out-of-pocket costs if they need to make a claim. Reviewing your cover regularly may help ensure it continues to reflect your needs.

Learn more: What is underinsurance and why does it matter?

A quick walkaround today could help tomorrow

Home security doesn't always come down to major upgrades or expensive technology. Often, it's the smaller details that are easiest to miss.

Taking a few minutes to walk around your property with fresh eyes may help you identify simple improvements and build stronger home security habits over time.

If it's been a while since you reviewed your insurance cover, this can also be a useful opportunity to check whether it still reflects your current circumstances.

Explore Real Home and Contents Insurance and get a quote today.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if I’m underinsured?

One sign of underinsurance is when the cost to rebuild your home or replace your belongings has increased since you last reviewed your policy. Regularly reviewing your sum insured may help ensure your cover remains appropriate.

What is the most commonly overlooked home security risk?

Side gates, garages, sheds and smaller windows are often overlooked because they're not part of people's daily routine. A regular walkaround can help identify these less obvious access points.

How often should I check my home's security?

A seasonal review, every few months is a practical approach. It's also worth checking security features after storms, renovations or when moving furniture and equipment around the property.

Can renters improve home security?

Yes. Renters can use many home security measures such as securing valuables, improving lighting, locking gates and reporting maintenance issues. Always check your tenancy agreement before making permanent changes.

Are sheds and garages common security weak points?

They can be. Garages and sheds often contain valuable items and tools that may attract thieves or assist entry to the home if left unsecured.

Does outdoor lighting improve home security?

Good outdoor lighting may help improve visibility around entry points, pathways and side access areas, making it easier to identify unusual activity around the property.