Securing your home and vehicle

Lock up –

lock all windows and doors, even when you’re at home – unlocked side and rear doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars
install good quality locks on external doors and windows – remember to disengage deadlocks when you are inside to allow easy escape in the event of a fire
consider additional security measures such as security screen doors, sensor lights, a monitored alarm system and overt CCTV
never hide keys on your property or in your vehicle – consider leaving with a family member or trusted neighbour
lock your mailbox to prevent the theft of mail and personal documents
keep garages, sheds and similar storage facilities locked

Other safety tips –

get to know your neighbours – they may recognise unusual activity when you’re out
bring in your bins and collect mail regularly so your home looks lived in – ask a neighbour to bring your bin in or collect your mail if you are away for a while
make sure your house is visible from the street so passersby and neighbours can detect any suspicious activity
cut overhanging branches and trim shrubs back from your house to make it harder for burglars to hide
place packaging from newly purchased expensive items in the recycling bin – leaving boxes on the nature strip lets burglars know what you have inside
consider having a dog
check the details of any salesperson or workman that comes to your door and report any suspicious activity to your local police
consider a safe for storing valuables
backup computer hard drives
engrave or mark your property to make it harder to sell and easier to return if located – the letter V followed by your Victorian licence number is recommended
photograph valuables and record details on a property inventory form
join your local Neighbourhood Watch and Eyewatch Facebook page and be an active part of crime prevention in your community

Preventing motor vehicle theft

Opportunistic thieves often break into unlocked or vacant homes to steal cars. Stolen vehicles may be used to commit further offences and be damaged, destroyed or never recovered.

Most car thefts occur in or around private residences, so it is important to take steps to protect your car:
lock all car doors and windows, even when parking at home or just leaving your car for a moment
keep all keys, including spares, in a secure place – never leave keys in your car
keep your car locked while driving park your car in a locked garage if possible – or park in your driveway or a well-lit area if they are preferred alternatives
install an engine immobiliser and car alarm if they are not already fitted
consider using a steering wheel lock – particularly for older vehicles
consider installing a bonnet lock
install a GPS tracking device in your vehicle
do not put your name and address on any keys – use a mobile phone number instead

Bicycles, Motorcycles and Scooters

park in a locked garage
use parking infrastructure or anchorage points where available
secure the handles with a steering lock
use a manual locking device such as an alarmed disc lock, D lock or chain and padlock
ensure your bicycle, motorcycle or scooter is identifiable. Engrave the letter ‘V’ (for Victoria) followed by your driver’s licence number on the frame

Get insurance; bicycles, motorcycles and scooters can often be insured against theft and damage through your home and/or contents insurance policy. Ask your insurance company for details.

Reporting crime

In the event of a burglary

It is important to report crime at the earliest opportunity to ensure police are given the best opportunity to locate offenders, recover stolen property and keep everyone safe. If you are a victim of burglary:

call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and make a report

if the incident is currently in progress or has just occurred, where offenders may still be at your home or in the area, find a safe place and call Triple Zero (000)

Remember, the safety of yourself and others is more important than trying to prevent a burglary.

If your car has been stolen also remember to notify your insurance company immediately.

Suspicious activity

call Triple Zero (000) immediately to report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood
call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to make an anonymous report

Absence from residence

You can be absent from your residence for a number of reasons. During off-peak periods, police often see holiday homes and unoccupied properties become the target of burglaries. It is important to be proactive about keeping your residence and community safe, especially if you are going away for an extended period of time.

consider a house-sitter to look after your home while you’re away
cancel any newspaper subscriptions
ask a neighbour to occasionally park their car in your driveway
turn down the volume on your telephone
set a timer for a radio to turn on and off throughout the day
be careful when posting holiday plans on social media

You can also register your absence of residence with Victoria Police. This information is useful to police and could be used to contact you and/or your emergency contact in case of an incident at your residence. This information could also prompt local police to check your residence during routine patrols, however due to the dynamic nature of calls for police services this service cannot be guaranteed.

If using this service, be sure to notify police when you return, especially if returning earlier than planned.

Register online

You can register with Service Victoria, which the Victorian Government has created to make it simpler and easier for you to get things done.

At your local police station

download and complete the Absence from Residence form
take the form to your local police station so your absence can be noted in the station’s register

Lost property

To report lost property, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or submit an online report

You need to provide sufficient detail to identify your property, including:

unique or distinguishing features, colours and/or markings
make, model, brand
serial/ID numbers
the circumstances how the items were lost

Items such as keys, wallets, purses or handbags may be reported if the item has a high and/or sentimental value and is identifiable. For example, modern electronic keyless entry remotes are coded to match your car’s computer and anti-theft immobiliser and often are of a high value to replace.