LockTober 2011, a joint initiative between Crime Stoppers Tasmania and Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania, was officially launched on 3 October 2011.

Today’s launch marks the beginning of a month long campaign to raise awareness in the Tasmanian community of the risks associated with complacency and not having appropriate mechanisms in place to secure property and personal items.

“We believe it is the responsibility of all Tasmanians to get involved in the fight against crime in their local community. With the lead into the holiday season so close, let’s make sure our property is secure”, said David Daniels, Chair of Crime Stoppers Tasmania. 

“This partnership with Crime Stoppers and Tasmania Police allows us to highlight ways in which members of the community can utilise the hints and tips provided to enhance the security of their property and to share the LockTober message”, said Jan Dunsby, President Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania.

With a different theme each week the following are tips to assist with vehicle, home, shack and business security.

Car security-practical examples and tips to keeping your vehicle secure

Whilst many stolen vehicles are recovered, many are burnt out, damaged or have had items stolen from them. Taking a positive approach to improve security is the first step in providing safer and more secure cars; prevention is better than the cure:

• Get in the habit of locking up every time, even when unattended for a brief moment
• Never leave valuables visible inside your car
• Fit an immobiliser or steering lock
• Consider a car alarm
• If parking in a public place, use a well lit open space
• If parking at home, use a garage or off street parking
• Never hide spare keys in or around a vehicle.

Home Security – Doors and Windows

• Sturdy entrance doors together with quality security doors provide a good first line of defence. Key operated door and window locks, keyed alike are great safety and convenience items.
• Deadlocks that need to be opened with a key from both sides are useful in preventing the loss of your valuable items whilst you are not at home. Remember at home it is unwise to deadlock yourself in.  If you do not like leaving deadlocks unlocked an alternative strategy is to leave keys in any deadlock or on a hook (preferably attached to a chain) close to the door or window, but out of reach of intruders to enable a speedy exit if necessary.
• A security chain fastened to the door will also help you to check first before letting anyone in. Keep security doors locked at all times.
• Fit a double-sided locking handle and patio door bolts to all sliding doors. A snug fitting block of wood placed in the lower rack of the sliding door can also make it more difficult for intruders to slide the door open far enough to gain entry. Self-tapping screws in the top frame will also prevent sliding doors and windows being lifted out — make sure there is still enough clearance for the door or window to slide. Another alternative is to fit sliding window locks.
• A peephole in all external doors and a light outside allows you to see who is there.
• If possible, replace louvre windows as these often provide easy access for intruders; alternatively, consider installing aluminium or steel security grilles over these types of windows; if you like to leave windows open, again, solidly constructed grilles are an effective deterrent for intruders.
• Your home should be clearly visible from the street with house numbers easily identifiable. House numbers painted on the kerb will help emergency services find you quickly. Clearing away excess trees, bushes and other vegetation provides an unobstructed view of unwanted intruders by your friends and neighbours.
• Never hide keys outside. Do not give keys to people you don’t know (including tradespeople).
• Ensure that doorway and perimeter lighting is sufficient to illuminate surroundings. Consider installing sensor lights. These will not only activate when you arrive home at night, but will also deter prowlers.
• Consider keeping a dog. This is also a good idea for health and companionship reasons as well as security.
• Ensure car doors are locked whenever the car is not in use, even at home.
• Consider securing your electricity supply meter box with an approved lock.
• Keep ladders and tools locked away in a garage, garden shed or under the house.

Shack Security – practical examples and tips

Holiday homes are like a smorgasbord of goodies to a thief – wet suits, surfboards, fishing gear, boats, and an array of electrical items inside.  Thieves don't take holidays!

• Don't leave a key outside the property.  Take it with you or leave with a trusted neighbour.
• Ensure all windows and doors are fitted with deadlocks.  Consider security screens for added security and even a monitored alarm system.
• Secure your boat, remove the motor and store it in a locked shed.  Also chain your boat trailer to your vehicle while you are out in the water.
• Maintain the garden, trim bushes and shrubs and keep the grass mown.  Be bushfire ready!
• Make suitable arrangements for the delivery and collection of mail (including junk mail).
• Ensure your property and contents are adequately covered for insurance purposes.

Business Security – practical examples and tips

• Screen prospective employees thoroughly, check references and require a police check provided by the prospective employee.
• Ensure all employees wear photo identification cards.
• Provide a secure area for staff belongings and challenge any unauthorised persons in staff only areas.
• Install high definition CCTV cameras and record to a hard drive.
• Businesses should consider implementing an access control system utilising swipe cards or electronic key systems.  There should be close monitoring of the issuing of access cards and their return when staff leave.
• Regularly review the layout of your business including lighting, consider the appropriateness of existing signage and landscaping and the movement of staff/visitors around the business.
• Is it easy for visitors to find reception?
• Implement entry and exit strategies for staff before and after work. 
• Review cash handling procedures including banking.
• Windows should have key operated locks keyed alike with external doors keyed alike.
• Businesses are encouraged to utilise a monitored alarm system.
• Record serial numbers of computers and secure securely, keep an inventory of all property.
• Cash registers should be emptied overnight and left open.  Safes utilised for any cash kept on premises.
• Contact Crime Stoppers about stickers and decals that are available for use in your business displaying you support of Crime Stoppers and to have the relevant emergency, police and Crime Stoppers numbers close at hand for you and your staff.

For further information regarding Crime Stoppers or Neighbourhood Watch visit:

• www.tas.crimestoppers.com.au
• www.nhwtas.org.au