When Dev and Anjali moved into their first rental unit in Blacktown, the last thing on their minds was home security. They were more focused on settling the kids into school, learning the bus routes, and figuring out why everyone insists on mowing the lawn before 9am. One evening, after arriving home from work, they found their back gate ajar and muddy shoe prints on the decking. Nothing was taken — but the uneasiness stayed for weeks.
For many new migrants, the idea of a break-in feels distant, something that happens in movies or in far-off suburbs. Yet across Australia, burglaries occur far more often than people expect. Understanding how intruders choose homes — and the practical steps that stop them — gives families confidence and peace of mind. This guide walks through the key risks, common mistakes, and realistic ways to make your home safer today.
Why Home Security Matters More Than Many Migrants Realise
Australia is generally safe, which can make it easy to underestimate local crime patterns. But the numbers paint a more sobering picture. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded more than 231,000 break-ins in 2017–18, with a further 205,400 attempted intrusions. That’s hundreds of families each day dealing with broken locks, damaged windows, missing valuables — and a lingering sense of being watched.
For new migrants, the emotional impact is often deeper. Many arrive with limited belongings, sometimes bringing only a suitcase and a few cherished items — jewellery from family, documents from home, precious gifts carried across continents. Losing those can be devastating.
There’s also the matter of privacy. Migrants frequently live in shared houses, new suburbs, or rentals where they don't yet know their neighbours. That unfamiliarity can increase vulnerability. Burglars often look for homes with predictable routines, unfenced backyards, or dark entrances — features common in rental properties.
And for those still adjusting to Australia’s laws and culture, it can be unclear what is considered normal household security here. Some countries rely heavily on security guards or gated communities. In Australia, responsibility falls largely on the household — making awareness critical.
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How Burglars Choose a House — and How They Get In
Every burglary has a pattern. Thieves rarely choose homes at random. They look for:
- Unlocked or partially open windows
- Front doors without deadbolts
- Dark pathways that hide movement
- Visible valuables near windows
- Homes where occupants follow the same routine daily
- Properties with weak back fences or broken gates
Burglars typically want a quick entry and an even quicker exit. Their goal is to avoid confrontation. Most break-ins take less than five minutes — enter, grab valuables, escape.
The most common access points?
- Front door
- Sliding back door
- Ground-floor window
- Garage internal door
- Unlocked sheds or side gates
And here’s the part that surprises many migrants: most break-ins happen during the day, not at night. That’s when people are at work, kids are at school, curtains are open, and homes look unmonitored.
A young Nepalese couple from Parramatta recently shared a story in a community forum: while they were both at work, someone entered through their unlocked laundry window. They lost a laptop and a few small items, but the psychological impact stayed far longer. Their experience mirrors thousands of similar incidents nationwide.
Common Security Mistakes New Migrants Often Make
Because home layouts and security norms vary across countries, many migrants unknowingly leave their homes vulnerable. These are the most frequent mistakes:
1. Leaving windows slightly open for airflow
Australian summers are hot — especially for families not used to the humidity. But even a 3cm gap in a window can be enough for a burglar to pry it open.
2. Not locking security screens
Many people assume the screen door is secure by default. In reality, only locked security screens provide protection.
3. Hiding spare keys in predictable places
Under the doormat. In the pot plant. Inside a shoe near the door.
Burglars check these spots first.
4. Poor lighting outside
Dark driveways and unlit backyards give intruders freedom to move unnoticed.
5. Underestimating the value of documents
Passports, identity papers, and financial documents are often left in drawers. For a criminal, these are just as valuable as electronics.
6. Not getting to know neighbours
In many cultures, privacy is a priority. In Australia, neighbourly connection is part of safety. People here genuinely look out for each other.
A Sri Lankan uni student shared that her neighbour in Strathfield spotted someone loitering near her window and alerted her immediately. Without that intervention, the outcome could have been very different.
Practical Ways to Strengthen Home Security
Lock everything — always
The majority of break-ins occur through unlocked doors and windows. Before leaving home or going to bed, do a quick walk-through: front door, back door, garage, windows.
Upgrade doors and windows
If your rental or home has hollow-core doors, ask the landlord about upgrading. A solid timber or metal door is far harder to force open.
Install:
- window locks
- deadbolts
- security screens with woven stainless steel mesh
- dowel rods for sliding doors
- window restrictors that limit openings to 20cm
Use lighting to protect your home
Motion-sensor lights near entrances reduce hiding spots.
A simple timer on an indoor lamp can make your home appear occupied.
Install cameras or video doorbells
Even a basic camera deters thieves. Many systems now offer:
- smartphone notifications
- live view
- cloud storage
- two-way audio
Criminals usually avoid homes with visible cameras.
Add an alarm system
A loud siren draws unwanted attention, forcing intruders to leave quickly.
Monitored alarms take this a step further by notifying a security company.
Store valuables safely
A small bolted safe can protect:
- passports
- jewellery
- cash
- personal documents
Secure sheds and side gates
Burglars often use tools found in your own shed to break in.
Padlock everything.
A Real-Life Example — “We Thought It Would Never Happen Here”
When Maria and Hussain moved into their first home in Melbourne’s north, they felt proud. They had saved for years, worked double shifts, and finally had a backyard for their son to play in. One Friday afternoon, they returned from grocery shopping to find the back sliding door forced open.
The burglars had taken small electronics and a box of jewellery Maria’s mother had given her before she left Lebanon. The jewellery had little resale value but deep sentimental meaning.
What truly shook them, however, was discovering that the burglars had entered through a door they believed was secure. The lock had been faulty for months, but with work and school runs, they never got around to fixing it.
After the incident, they installed new deadbolts, added sensor lighting, and joined the local neighbourhood WhatsApp group. Six months later, they say the sense of control and safety gradually returned.
Their story is not unusual — but their recovery offers valuable lessons:
small improvements make a big difference.
Conclusion
Home security doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. The strongest protection comes from small habits — locking up consistently, knowing your neighbours, and paying attention to weak points around your home. For migrants settling into Australia, these steps provide more than physical safety. They offer the sense of stability every family deserves when starting a new life. A secure home allows you to focus on work, community, and building the future you came here for.
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