Research shows simple home security lacking

It appears Tasmanians are losing their community spirit, with almost one third of people not looking
out for their neighbour’s property, according to new research released by RACT Insurance.

The research also revealed the younger you are, the less likely you are to watch over a neighbouring
property for signs of suspicious activity, highlighting the levels of responsibility felt at different
stages in life.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said the results showed 31 per cent of Tasmanians didn’t watch
over their neighbours’ properties or expect a neighbour to watch over theirs in return, despite the
fact homes contained people’s most valued possessions.

“Our research revealed a direct link with age, in that the younger you are, the less likely you are to
look out for your neighbour’s property, with only 49 per cent of those aged 18 – 29 doing so, as
opposed to 68 per cent of those aged 40 – 49,” Mr Sayers said.

“It has also become apparent that a lot of people these days don’t actually know their neighbours,
however, it is still important for everyone to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”

Mr Sayers said the research also showed 40 per cent of Tasmanians left their houses unlocked while
at home and more than one fifth of Tasmanians didn’t fully lock up their homes if they were only
leaving for a short while.

“These statistics are quite worrying, especially if almost one third of Tasmanians aren’t looking out
for their neighbours’ properties, which is likely to increase the risk of being the victim of a
devastating burglary,” he said.

“It really shouldn’t matter if you are at home or leaving for only a short while, people should always
lock up their homes and ensure any windows left open do not allow easy access to the property.

“While not everyone can afford home security systems, burglars tend to look for easy targets, such
as open windows or obvious signs of lax security.

“Our data has also shown that items left outside or in an unlocked shed, such as bicycles, power
tools and garden tools are also big targets.

“We would also encourage everyone to ensure other basic security measures are put in place, such
as deadlocks on main doors, as well as locks on the windows and automated security lights.”

State President of Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania, Jan Dunsby, said she shared the concerns of
RACT Insurance.

“At this time of the year homes can become more vulnerable to crime, especially with Christmas
gifts on display and people away on holiday,” Mrs Dunsby said.

“We don’t want to see this special time of year ruined by crime, so we would also encourage people
to look out for themselves as well as their neighbours.

“We would also reinforce the message of having deadlocks on doors and windows, keeping the door
locked (even when at home) and locking away garden implements that can make break-ins easier to
carry out.”

Mr Sayers said it was a timely reminder for those going away over the holiday period to get to know
their neighbours and ask them to collect their mail on a daily basis, as this was another sign
welcoming thieves.
RACT Insurance Chief Executive Officer Trent Sayers