Are you a single woman who lives by herself? Living alone can be wonderful because your house or apartment is your very own space, tailored to your liking. But it also means there are some safety concerns. Unfortunately, women living alone can be seen as vulnerable targets by potential burglars.
So, how can you keep yourself and your home safe from break-ins? The smartest approach is to assess your home’s security and make any needed improvements.
Home Burglary Statistics in Australia
Let’s take a closer look at some statistics to better grasp the situation related to home burglaries in Australia in 2020-21:
- About 3.5% of homes in Australia have experienced a burglary at some point.
- An estimated 4% (around 394,600 households) experience malicious property damage.
In a 2015 study involving individuals accused of breaking and entering, 31% of them cited improved security as a significant deterrent to property crime.
Top Tips to Improve Home Security for Single Women Living Alone
One effective way to boost your home security is by installing “keyless” smart locks. These innovative locks provide a high level of security and are a cost-effective way to fortify your home against burglars.
Smart locks offer security features that go beyond what traditional mechanical locks can provide. They can be operated through a smartphone app, biometric scans, or a passcode, making them extremely reliable.
With smart locks in place, you won’t need to worry about someone attempting to pick the lock, and they also offer convenience. Plus, you’ll never have to go on a wild search for your lost keys again. That’s a delightful improvement in daily life!
Furthermore, don’t forget to:
Keep Your Home Looking Lived-In
- When you’re away, it’s essential to avoid giving burglars any signs that your home is vacant or neglected.
- Ask a friend or neighbour to collect your mail, as an overflowing mailbox signals an empty house.
- Consider hiring someone to maintain your front yard, such as mowing the lawn and watering plants.
- Use automatic timers for your lights to create the illusion that someone is home, especially after dark.
Conceal Valuable Items
- Burglars are attracted to homes with visible expensive possessions, like painting collections or electronics that can be seen through windows.
- Keep your curtains drawn to prevent potential thieves from peering inside.
Get a Professional Locksmith’s Evaluation
To bolster your home’s security, it’s crucial to address any weak points in your defence. A professional locksmith can conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s vulnerabilities and recommend solutions. For instance, if a window poses a security risk, they can suggest installing alarms and more secure locks.
Budget-Friendly Security Options
Enhancing your home’s security doesn’t have to be a costly endeavour. There are affordable digital solutions available that can fortify your home’s safety.
Ensuring Your Home Insurance is Ready for the Holidays
One important detail that often slips people’s minds is the need to update their home and contents insurance, especially if they’ve acquired more valuable items over time. This becomes even more critical during the holiday season. The gifts you receive, like a new flat-screen TV, laptops, or jewellery, might not be covered in case of accidents or theft.
If you’ve recently made home improvements or extended your property to host Christmas gatherings, it’s important to inform DSH Insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage in case the unexpected occurs.
Keeping DSH Insurance informed about changes in your circumstances is crucial for having the right protection. It’s essential to check and update your home insurance policy before the holidays begin so you can truly relax and enjoy the festive season.
