Recently the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) has launched a national home security campaign to raise awareness of common-sense home security practices among Australian householders. “Nationally, household burglary is one of the most widespread crimes in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology,” ASIAL CEO Bryan de Caires said.

“If each household that experienced a household crime in the 12 months leading up to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2013-14 National Crime Victimisation Survey was represented by just one person, those people would fill Melbourne Cricket Ground almost 15 times over.

“We want to help reduce the number of household crimes by educating Australian householders on simple precautionary steps they can take to avoid becoming another statistic.”

ASIAL’s Home Security Challenge is completely anonymous, doesn’t collect any personal data and is designed so that, even if you share it on Facebook, your security score is kept completely confidential. It asks 10 basic questions about your home security practices, provides a diagnostic and offers information on where you can go for expert advice.

The Home Security Challenge can be taken at www.homesecuritychallenge.com.au.Householders can also like the ASIAL Facebook Page for home security tips.

ASIAL’s top five home security tips

• It’s the most basic security tip, but often overlooked – lock up. Secure your garage, shed, windows and doors.
• Don’t leave keys hidden outside the house. Leave a set with a trusted friend or family member.
• Ensure your external doors are of solid core construction and fit those doors with a deadlock or deadbolt.
• Don’t advertise you’re away on social media; be mindful of the images you share, check privacy settings and disable location services.
• Have a security alarm installed by a licensed security professional and ensure it’s maintained in good working order.