What to do At Home

There are many ways to improve your physical security at home without your home becoming a fortress. Much of it is common sense. The installation and use of proper locks, doors and grilles make your first line of defence much stronger.
   Your home should also be clearly visible to the street, neighbours and
      passers-by.
   Prune back bushes and trees that obstruct windows or doors and provide
      cover for intruders.
   A good quality security door (which complies with Australian Standard
      2803) helps with ventilation and is a barrier against unwelcome callers.
   Ideally, external doors should be of solid core construction and fitted with
      deadlocks. Certain deadlocks can be locked in such a way that they can
      only be unlocked with a key on both sides. This prevents your property
      being taken out the door. The other sort of deadlock is one that needs a
      key to open it from the outside, but from the inside it can be opened with
      a lever or knob.
   Another excellent home safety feature is a door viewer or peephole. It
      gives you a wide angle view of the person on the other side of the door.
   Never open the door to a stranger no matter how urgent it sounds.
      Check first and ask for identification before opening the door. If someone
      is seeking help, leave them outside while you make the emergency call for
      them.
   You should have quality keyed locks on all windows. And all locks should
      be 'keyed alike' so that one key will open all doors and one key will open
      all windows.
      Any windows and doors you want to leave open for ventilation should
      have security grilles.
   Do not hide spare keys under door mats or flower pots. (That's the first
      place a burglar will look.) Similarly, do not give keys to anyone you do not
      know including tradespersons.
   dentify your property by marking it with an engraver. This not only makes
      your property less appealing to intruders and thieves, it also means if your
      property is stolen you have a greater chance of it being recovered.
   If you're going out, even for a short period, make your home appear to be
      'lived in' by having the radio or lights on. There are some very effective
      security products on the market, and you may be surprised how relatively
      inexpensive they can be.
   If you are having extra security installed, smoke detectors can be fitted at
      the same time for very little additional cost.

The point to emphasise with security is that once a security product has been purchased or installed, you should use it and continue to do so until it becomes a habit.
Lock it or lose it.

The Danger of Your Phone

Your phone is probably your most important means of communication. But there are many criminals out there who can use it to their advantage. Be careful about information you divulge to strangers on the phone or answering machines. For example, don't disclose:
   That you live alone
   That you will be away
   Private family or financial information

If you receive an obscene phone call or have a persistent nuisance caller, HANG UP. Contact Telstra if calls persist.  If you own a touch phone, key into the memory the phone numbers of:
   A close friend, relative or neighbour, and
   000 (Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue)

That way, in an emergency, the numbers can be dialled in a hurry by pressing just one button. If possible, have th ephone extension in your bedroom similarly prepared.

How to use Public Transport Safely

   If you're travelling at night, wait in a well lit area and near other
      commuters if possible. To minimise waiting, it's advisable to have a
      timetable.
   When travelling on buses or trains, don't sit alone. 3/ 3/ Make sure you
      can be seen by the driver or other passengers.
   Be careful when you're shopping, many attacks occur before shopping, as
      criminals are always looking for cash.
   Never carry large amounts of money on you. Wherever possible use
      EFTPOS or a credit card.
   Don't carry signed withdrawal forms with your bank book or in your bag.
   Never leave handbags or personal items in your shopping trolley.
   Carry your money and credit cards separately from your bag. (Use a
      pocket or money belt.)
   Consider the type of bag you use and how you carry it. This can make it
      harder for the thief to take it from you. A small hand-held bag with a zip is
      excellent as you can hold it close to and in front of you.

Contact us at Exile Investigations for further information or help