When the Johnson family left their Brighton home for a long weekend, they locked the door and thought they were safe.
But the overgrown hedges, unlit driveway, and lack of visible security made the house look empty and easy. By Sunday night,
a rear window had been forced and thousands of dollars in tech and jewellery were gone — a preventable loss with a few smart upgrades.
What the numbers say in 2024–25
2.1% of Australian households experienced a break-in in 2023–24 (≈217,600 homes), up from 1.8% the year before.
Most residential burglaries go unsolved — prevention beats recovery every time.
Brighton/Bayside focus: police flagged a rise in aggravated burglaries in late 2024; visible deterrents matter.
Use this 7-point checklist to self-assess your property
- Is your property well-lit at night? Add motion lights to driveways, side paths and rear entries; test trigger zones after dark.
- Are doors and windows reinforced? Fit quality deadbolts, keyed window locks, and security film/laminated glass; pin/anti-lift sliders.
- Clear visibility around entries? Trim hedges below window height, keep house numbers visible, avoid high front fencing that hides activity.
- Visible security installed? Eye-line CCTV, alarm sirens, and window/yard signage deter attempts.
- Overflowing mailbox when away? Use mail hold/locker or ask a neighbour to clear deliveries.
- Automation for “signs of life”? Timers/smart scenes at dusk; avoid posting travel plans publicly.
- Audit in the last 12 months? Offender methods evolve; review yearly to stay ahead.
Quick wins this weekend (under 60 minutes)
- Install two PIR lights (driveway + rear) and tune sensitivity.
- Add anti-lift pins to sliders; hinge bolts to outward-opening doors.
- Trim vegetation near windows; illuminate street number.
- Set randomized lamp timers; avoid obvious patterns.
- Photograph serial numbers; store securely in the cloud.
Brighton/Bayside patterns we see
Evening/overnight entries via side/rear. Visible cameras, alarms and locked side gates reduce attempts; many offenders move on when deterrents are obvious.
Take action before it’s too late
Book a free consultation — we’ll identify weak spots and design a practical, layered plan for your Brighton property.
Service area: Brighton and neighbouring Melbourne suburbs. Licensed technicians. Fast installs.
