1.  Add Security Measures

With around 36 per cent of Australians believing that their house is likely to be burgled in the next 12 months (according to the Australian Institute of Criminology), security measures are very likely to massively enhance the value of your property and boost your rental property returns. In addition to creating strong physical barriers with security doors, landlords can opt to update locks and alarms, add a peephole, provide a few outdoor floodlights, and/or install an intercom system.

2.  Cleanliness

Keeping the property tidy and clean is an underrated strategy for improving rental returns. Give your property a spring clean and quick facelift with any of the following tips, all of which can be completed in the space of a single afternoon.

• Paint. Give bedrooms or living rooms a fresh coat of paint. You can also consider painting the window frames and doors for a new look. Lighter colours not only lighten up the place, they can bring a sense of spaciousness and make any space look bigger than it is.
• Garden. A messy and unkempt garden can turn tenants away. Keep gardens well maintained.
• Carpet. Have the carpet professionally cleaned.
• Bathrooms and kitchens. Tenants are especially sensitive to cleanliness in bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure these are spotless. Upgrade old mirrors and use bright light bulbs.

3.   Add an Outdoor Space

Tenants value outdoors spaces highly, as they enhance the utility and enjoyment of any rental property. Examples include an outdoor kitchen, pergola, veranda, deck, patio, and even carport.

• Install a barbeque or cooking area. Build a barbeque or fit out a mini outdoor kitchen with some basic appliances.
• Build a deck or patio. A favourite outdoor space for people of all ages, decks and patios can be built very quickly and relatively easily. Extraordinary decks can be created with extras such as security screens.
• Courtyard. A simple courtyard just outside your indoor kitchen can be created with tiles or paving and some attractive outdoor furniture.
• Carport. Tenants love additional carports. These can be created quickly with portable awning.

4.  Simple Improvements to the Kitchen or Bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom are one of the most important areas for rental properties. Simple improvements can have an exponential effect on rental yields and help attract great tenants.

• Taps and sinks. These are relatively inexpensive to replace, yet they can completely alter the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
• Tiles. Tiles can be painted over with a quick DIY project. Alternatively, landlords may choose to have them replaced by a professional.
• Whitegoods and appliances. Upgrade whitegoods for furnished properties, and upgrade fixtures such as a dishwashers and air conditioners.

1. Design

Prevention is always the best solution. As such, good store design should form the core of your security strategy. Creating strong deterrence against after-hours theft can be achieved with security doors. This can enhance the visual appeal of your store even while serving as a very strong physical barrier against quick breakage. Likewise, windows can be fitted with security screens.

Store design itself can also be vital. Ensure that, to exit, customers must pass through the register area, close to staff. Smaller and more valuable items can be locked away in class cabinets or behind the counter. Dressing rooms should be kept unlocked and brightly lit, and staff can be trained as to appropriate dressing room customer service.

2. Lighting

Good lighting can deter theft and eliminate blind spots. Dark corners or narrow aisles can be brightened up with strong lights that support any surveillance cameras or mirrors fitted in your stores.

3. Surveillance

Surveillance is a crucial security element in any retail space. Some key surveillance tools include:

• Video cameras. Use video cameras in corners or difficult to see spots in the store.
• Mirrors. Mirrors can enhance visual surveillance and act as a good deterrence tool. Place them in corners and aisles far from the register(s), high up close to ceilings.
• Alarms. Alarms provide an additional security measure for retail spaces after hours. They can also form a part of your security tag system.
• Recording. Most retail stores will keep surveillance tapes on file. Establish a policy for recording and monitoring tapes, as well as for the storage of surveillance tapes.
• Security tags. A security tag system can help significantly reduce theft and eliminate the need for guards or extra staff.

4. Staff Training

Your staff team is your partner in any retail space security strategy. Train your staff in good customer processes and to monitor your stores effectively.

• Cash handling. Do your stores have fixed cash handling procedures that set out clear expectations to staff? For example, cash to be banked must be counted and collected out of public view. For transporting large cash amounts, many retail and banking outlets use guards.
• Bag checks. If your products can’t be fitted with tags, you may find it useful to implement a random bag check policy at exit points. Strengthening video surveillance is another otpion.
• Handling expensive or special items. Jewellery, watches, and small electronic devices that are usually locked up will need staff attention when customers want to examine the items. Provide staff members with a clear guidance policy for handling these items in this situation.
• Adequate staff numbers. Are your stores adequately staffed? Staffing levels can contribute to improved security.
• Monitoring. Train staff members to monitor for suspicious behaviour. Provide staff with guidance on appropriate responses and actions.

1. Surveillance and Alarms

The latest security cameras can be set up to enable any residence or commercial space to be monitored from a remote location. With a TV, notebook, mobile touchpad, or smartphone, home owners (or business owners) can log in and immediately gain a visual perspective.

You may also be able to view camera feeds over the internet from your notebook or smartphone. These security camera systems and alarms can be programmed to automatically activate when they sense motion in the area.

Advantages

Relatively inexpensive to set up, and offers remote surveillance from potentially anywhere in the world.

Limitations

Requires real-time monitoring. For surveillance, homeowners or business owners may need to watch hours of tape.

2. Remote Control of Entry Points

Access control may not only prove useful and convenient for homeowners and businesses, it can be a good security tool to have on hand, and provide an extra layer to existing physical security tool such as locks and security screens.

Entry control is a must for any business; for large homes, it can enhance your existing security and alarm system. The latest access control systems can be incorporated into the home automation system (where applicable).

These systems use individual user codes to grant access, an intercom and/or video camera system for remote unlocking, as well as automatic door locks. They may also incorporate remote opening of gates, outside doors, and garage doors for added convenience and security.

In commercial application, access control systems may even be integrated with IT systems to allow managers to monitor who entered and left the building and at what time. With the internet and wireless technology, monitoring and granting access can all be done offsite, and even from the other side of the world.

Advantages

Excellent monitoring and convenience features.

Limitations

Like remote surveillance, remote access control is a passive tool for home security, and best used in conjunction with other security features.

3. General Home Automation

While home automation has generally been associated with providing a centralised control system for features such as lighting, heating, air conditions, and appliances, the latest home automation systems incorporate some level of security.

Home automation system can integrate your surveillance, alarm, and access control systems into the same control panel or automation system. Other security features may include remote opening and closing of curtains and blinds, switching on lighting, or operation of electrical appliances such as a TV or stereo system to create the sense that someone is home. These systems can also improve safety by detecting fire breakouts or gas and water leaks.

Advantages

Allows you to integrate surveillance, alarms, and access control system into the same control panel.

Limitations

Incompatible standards and high prices have made home automation less accessible to the average user than it otherwise might have been. For security purposes, home automation systems can only provide monitoring or alarm benefits, and not deterrence.

In summary, automation, alarms, and surveillance can only go so far in protecting your home or commercial space. Creating very strong physical barriers such as those with security screens and doors should form the core of any security system.

Home

You probably won’t be able to take all your valuables with you on your trip, so do keep your home secure and present an appearance of being home. Security doors can be used to secure your entry points, while windows, screens, and other outdoor spaces can benefit from security screens.

If you’re using a call-out alarm, make sure it’s programmed to call the number of someone in the country who will be able to come and check out your house and to turn the alarm off if required. Other tools, such as outdoor lighting and time indoor lights can also be used to keep the home safe. Finally, enlist the help of a neighbour who is happy keep a look out for you.

Airports and Transit Points

Make sure you know what can be taken on the plane before you pack. Airlines, especially those in the United State, often have strict guidelines which can be checked on their websites.

• It goes without saying that any valuables should be packed in your carry-on baggage.
• Use locks on all luggage pieces to be checked in.
• For extra peace of mind, some airports have merchants who offer optional luggage wrap services for a fee.
• Don’t keep your luggage unattended in transit points.
• Know what you’re carrying and never accept packages from strangers.

At the Hotel

It’s important not to take security for granted in your hotel. Theft can happen anywhere – from roadside motels to five-star luxury accommodation.

• If you have heavy and valuable items, such as a laptop or electronic equipment, ask the hotel to keep your items in their safe rather than keeping it in the safe in your room.
• Don’t leave jewellery or cash lying around. In some countries, cash left on your night table may be mistaken for a tip.
• Use your Do Not Disturb door tag if you’d prefer to keep your room undisturbed.
• Packing is often the best time to keep your things safe. If it’s heavy and expensive, think twice about taking it with you.

In the Car

For road trip holidays, use these tips to keep your car and its contents safe:

• Load and keep your valuables hidden before you reach the parking lot. For example, if you’re staying a motel with a shared parking area or parking your car by the beach for a few hours, pull over and place valuables in the boot before you arrive to avoid broadcasting you have valuables stowed away.
• If you’re parking your car in a strange place overnight, choose your parking space carefully. Look for high-traffic places rather than isolated corners.
• Use a parking service or garage if you have any doubts about leaving your car by the road.
• Before you leave your car, lock away your GPS units, car kits, music players, and cover your in-car TV or DVD player.

Strategy 1: Secure Your Own Home

Securing your own home is a vital first step to keeping your neighbourhood safe from crime. Homes can be fitted to deter unwanted intruders and equipped with measures to prevent break-ins. Use a combination of effective features to secure your home.

• Security doors. Security doors keep your entry points enforced, providing a very strong visual and physical deterrent for intruders.
• Secure your windows. Security screens can be fitted over glass windows and other areas with glass or fragile panelling to prevent quick break-ins via smashed glass, which is a common method of gaining unauthorised entry. Security screens tend to be much more aesthetically pleasing than other window security alternatives.
• Locks. All entry points may be secured with locks.
• Alarms and surveillance. Alarms can be used as a complementary measure to alert you in the event of anyone gaining entry. If you have a large property, surveillance tools such as video camera can be installed at remote areas on your property or entry points.
• Lighting. Motion sensor lighting can make would-be burglars feel exposed and act as a deterrence. Opt for strong floodlights or spot lights.
• Eliminating hiding spaces. Hiding spaces are found in tall shrubs and trees close to window and door areas. Clear away shrubs and keep these potential hiding spaces well lit at night.

Strategy 2: Raise Awareness in Your Street

Getting to know your neighbours and raising awareness in your street is the starting point to better crime prevention in your area. Distribute informative leaflets or have a casual chat with your neighbours. Connect with them and let them know that you’re happy to alert them to suspicious activity.

Better awareness and community involvement can make a lot of difference to crime rates and break-ins. If you’re concerned about high crime rates in your area, you can become more formally involved through a local neighbourhood watch program.

Strategy 3: Get Involved in Your Local Neighbourhood Watch Program

More state or territory police will have a formal neighbourhood watch program in place. If you’re concerned about crime in your neighbourhood, you can sign up to volunteer your time and effort to the program. Participating in a neighbourhood watch program can include holding regular meetings, notifying community members of meetings, and providing updates in the form of emails.

A typical neighbourhood program may also involve getting those who are home during the day to watch out for suspicious activity in the area and to contact the police if necessary. With enough participants or volunteers, neighbourhood programs can be highly effective in helping reduce local crimes rates.

Tip 1: Prioritise Security Features

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, household burglary is one of the most common crimes in Australia, with over 335,700 break-ins recorded for in 2009-10. The same report revealed that around 36 per cent of Australians believe that their house was likely to be burgled in the coming year. If you’re one of those who are worried about intruders, security doors are probably one of the best choices for your entrances or exits.

Security doors can be used in conjunction with a wooden or glass door, or they may be used alone as a durable and secure barrier. The best security doors will proof your entrances against knifing or quick break-ins that can result from smashing glass or less durable doors.

They may also incorporate a number of locks, including deadlocks and key locks, for maximum protection. Security screens can also be used to bring extra protection over window areas for residences and office premises, where burglars can conduct rapid break-ins by jemmying or breaking windows.

Tip 2: Seek Durability

Look for doors made from durable materials such as stainless steel and solid wood. While materials are important, so is design. The best doors will have come with performance guarantees or ratings. These can include testing for attempted break-ins, weatherproofing features, as well as tests or ratings for impact.

Most quality manufacturers will also offer an extended warranty period, many of these lasting from 12 months to 7 years. Some manufacturers, however, offer warranties will beyond these timeframes.

Tip 3: Enjoyment of Weather and Views

Choosing doors that support enjoyment of outside views, weather, and ventilation can be a great way to make the most of your house and locality. Whether you have water views, sweeping landscapes, or simply want to feel closer to your garden and surroundings, there are options that will allow you and your family to create airy and light entrance points.

You may have outdoors spaces where a spatial connection with the outdoors is integral to the enjoyment of the space. While, traditionally, exterior doors have been typically made from solid wood or fibreglass, the latest designs facilitate better enjoyment of weather and outdoor views, such as those manufactured from woven steel and aluminium. It’s useful to keep this in mind as you select your door.

Tip 4: Look for Aesthetic Appeal

There no need to compromise on aesthetic appeal at the expense of the other criteria. When it comes to doors, functionality and coexist with strong aesthetic appeal. Some options can be tailor made and cut and fitted to suit your precise requirements.

Look for aesthetic appeal and visual harmonisation with the rest of your house. While a door may be attractive on its own, it should blend in effortlessly to your external walls, garden, and colour themes.

An Access Management Policy

Most businesses will usually have an access management policy in place.

• Clearly defined. Whether formal or informal, it’s important to clearly define your access management policy.
• Access levels. Just like setting access levels for your IT system, files, and databases, creating access levels for your physical premises for employees and visitors are a good idea. Most businesses will limit access on the basis of a ‘need to access’ policy. Common restricted areas include stock storage areas and petty cash cabinets. These can be built into your alarm and/or electronic swipe key system.
• Tools and equipment. Useful tools and equipment for your access management system can include ID swipe keys, readers, PINs, zoned alarms, electronic door controllers, keys and locks, or high tech remote access control system. Which ones you use will depend on the needs of your business. High tech systems may incorporate biometrics, which can make use of fingerprinting, facial recognition, or voice recognition technology.
• Communicate. Once you’ve defined your policy, make sure staff are aware of their own access levels. You’ll be able to better enforce the policy once you’ve communicated it to staff.

Physical Barriers

Creating physical barriers that protect your capital and stock is essential for any business. Deadlocks, padlocks, safes, and security screens and doors are some of the most effective ways to create strong barriers that won’t easily yield to force or break-ins.

• Front line of defence. Businesses may use tools such as security doors, locks, mechanical digital locks, and electronic gates as the front line of defence.
• Other physical barriers. Valuables can be secured with safes, locked filing cabinets, or surveillance and alarms that alert you quickly in the event of a break-in.

Surveillance Tools and Alarms

While alarms don’t provide a physical barrier or act as strong deterrents at the front line, they can alert you to unauthorised intruders. Surveillance features such as CCTV and infrared cameras allow businesses to keep a record of what is happening at your workplace. For infrequently accessed areas, surveillance tools and alarms can boost your monitoring capacity (even when you’re located off-site) and let you respond more quickly to intrusions.

Security Personnel

Very large premises will employ onsite security personnel to protect their property and stock. While security guards are common in large factories and warehouses, they’re also frequently used in retail spaces such as banks, shopping centres, airports, hospitals, and entertainment venues.

In the large industrial space or workplace, security personnel may interface with customers, provide monitoring services, patrol the premises, and monitor traffic in and out of the premises. As such, security personnel can play an essential role in anticipating any security breaches.

Tip 1: Secure Rear Entry Points

While it’s common for many homes to use security doors and windows for securing the front part of the property, too many homeowner neglect rear entry points. Shaw suggests that many thieves are able to gain entry through the back as he preferred to do during his time as a very successful burglar.

While Shaw gives no specific advice on how to secure these entry points, back entry points can be kept safe with double locks and security screens fitted to provide a visual deterrent and strong physical barrier against quick break-ins.

Tip 2: Turn On Alarms

Shaw suggest that alarms should be activated at all times, even when there’s someone home. He reveals that some burglars will attempt entry even when someone is home. Hence, it’s a good idea to keep alarms on and secure entry points with strong barriers.

Tip 3: Don’t Reveal Your Plans to Others

Shaw advises against telling others that you’re going on vacation even if you’re only going away for a couple of days. The former burglar states that thieves often had informants, including himself. Some of his best informants were carpet installers, hairstylists, and bank workers.

Other social avenues, such as social media and blogs can also be rich sources of information for burglars. As such, use these communication portals discreetly and don’t share information about your holiday plans with anyone you don’t know.

Tip 4: Daylight Can Give a False Sense of Security

Shaw has revealed that daytime break-ins are actually preferable for burglars since there’s usually a good chance that no one is home. Don’t make it easy for burglars. Always keep doors locked and entry points secured, even during the day.

Tip 5: Fix Broken Doorbells

Shaw advises homeowners to fix the doorbell if it’s broken. Thieves will often use the doorbell to check whether anyone is home. A broken doorbell means you won’t be able to answer the door in case a burglar is posing as a friendly salesperson is at your door.

Tip 6: The Kitchen is the Safest Area in the House

If you have a safe, keep it in the kitchen and not the master bedroom, advises Shaw. The former burglar states that the kitchen is the last place burglars will go because it’s usually located at the centre of the house and most people keep their valuables elsewhere.

Burglars are looking to get in and out quickly. Use cereal boxes, biscuit jars, or empty cans to store valuables and cash.

Tip 7: Burglars Go Through Your Trash

Shaw reveals that some burglars go through garbage bins of potential houses to find out what’s inside and whether there’s anything worth stealing. Don’t advertise the fact that you’ve just bought a large plasma TV by laying the box outside for recycling. Cut up the box or ask the delivery people to haul all packaging away.

Tip 8: Little Thing Count

Shaw suggests that homeowners also use the little things to keep their home safe. Homeowners should recognise that they’re in charge. In addition to using traditional security measures and barriers, doing small things like locking doors, making it look like you’re home, and trimming back trees to eliminate hiding places will all help make it more difficult for burglars to break into your house.

1. Newspapers and Mail

Newspapers in the front garden and an overfilling mail box is one of the major telltale signs of an empty house. Whether they’re walking or driving past in the street, a quick scan of your front lawn and mailbox will let them know what they’re trying to find out.

What To Do

Don’t be complacent, even if you’re only going to be away for a few days. Have a friend pick up your mail and newspapers early in the morning, or arrange to have your newspaper and mail diverted or stopped for the duration of your trip. This also eliminates the chance of mail theft while you’re away.

2. The State of Your Garden

Overgrown lawns and gardens can be another sign of absent homeowners. This is usually more conspicuous when you’re going to be away for more than a week or two.

What To Do

Have your housesitter or a professional gardener mow the lawn on a regular basis while you’re away. Arrange to have a gardener trim back quick growing plants and shrubs during the warmer months, when plants tend to grow much faster.

3. Lighting and Sound

While things like an overfilling mail box and overgrown lawns can alert burglars to your absence during the day, lighting and sound can also act as important signs to burglars after sunset.

Burglars will listen out for TVs, radios, or conversations indoors. They’ll also be looking out for darkened homes that stand out in the street when other homes in the street are brightly lit.

What To Do

Use timed lighting, radios, and TVs to make it look like you’re home in the evenings. You can do this when you’re away on vacation or if you usually get home late at night. Set timers for varying ‘on’ and ‘off’ times each night. Keep windows and other entry points secure with security screens.

In addition to power plug based timers, there are various home automation tools that allow you to switch on electric devices remotely from your phone or computer.

4. Parked Vehicles

Many burglars will look through garage windows or check open garages for parked vehicles. An empty garage can give the burglar a sense of security about breaking into your house.

What To Do

Block garage windows if you have windows in your garage. Keep garage doors closed and locked at all times. If you have an open garage, consider getting a neighbour to park their car in your spot if you’ll be away with your car.

5. Social Media and Answering Machines

While answering machines have traditionally been very useful tools for burglars, according to research by law enforcement authorities and insurance companies, social media is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways for burglars to do research as they plan for a break-in.

What To Do

Don’t share travel plans on social media or advertise your daily routine. Don’t give out information in answering machine messages. Consider diverting your calls to your mobile phone or a PIN protected voice mail box while you’re away. This means your phone won’t be ringing off the hook in an empty house.

Also consider removing your surname from your mail box. Names on mailboxes also make it easier for burglars to link phone numbers, addresses, and social media accounts.

1. Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are some of the most noticeable elements of your house. At the same time, they’re very easy and relatively inexpensive to upgrade. Update old, tired-looking front doors. Enforce doors with a second barrier, such as one of the attractive security doors that can be custom-made to fit your needs.

Windows, too, can be upgraded and enforced with aesthetically pleasing security screens. These can have a dual purpose of acting a security barrier against intruders as well as adding utility by allowing you to ventilate your house and enhance its visual appeal.

2. Outdoor Living Spaces

Decks and balconies and other outdoors spaces can also be easy ways to enhance the look of your house while providing addition living spaces. Decks can be designed to be attached to any part of your home, whether front or back, and they can be erected and built as a simple DIY project.

Although balconies are a little bit more complicated than decks, they can add considerable style and aesthetic appeal to your house. Like decks, they can be designed to be attached to any part of the house, and their utility can be extended throughout different seasons with additions such as security screens and doors.

3. A Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting the outside of your house can be a fun DIY job for the whole family. Remember to always start by carefully preparing the outside walls for a new coat of paint by cleaning, scraping, and sanding where appropriate. When done well, a fresh coat of paint can take years off the appearance of your house, giving a fresh, modern look.

4. Lighting

Sometimes new lighting is all a house requires for a fresh new look, especially if exterior lighting fixtures feature significantly in the look of your house. Replacing old lighting fixtures and improving the position of lighting can add to both outdoor ambiance and safety.

You can create a luxurious outdoor appearance, highlight specific features with wall mounted lights, keep major entry points well lit with specific lighting designs. Floodlights, spotlights, wall sconces, hanging pendants, and lamp post lighting can be used on the house’s exterior, garage exterior, and in the garden itself to enhance the look of your house.

5. Gardening and Landscaping

A wild, unkempt garden can reduce the attractiveness of a home’s exterior. Keeping the garden under control or undertaking some landscaping work may boost the appeal of your house.

Adding water features, potted plants, or outdoor furniture are some other ideas for improving the look of your home. Clearing away fallen leaves, trimming overgrown shrubs and trees, planting colourful shrubs and plants – these simple methods can give your house a quick facelift.

6. Paving Your Driveway

Re-paving your driveway is another way to enhance the exterior of your home, particularly if your driveway is already a focal point in your home and your existing driveway is looking tired. Think about introducing new colours and geometric designs with interesting paver shapes.