- Consider strong locks and deadlocks to keep your home secure
- Smart security systems can help you monitor your property
- Know your insurance cover and insure your belongings for accurate amounts
Safe and sound – Secure your property the smart way
Last updated on 24 March, 2026
Your home may be your castle, but chances are you don’t have battlements and a drawbridge to protect it. Allianz Prevention looks at ways to improve your home security.
Key takeaways
How's your security?
No one should have to experience the trauma of a break-in. Beyond the loss of valuable possessions, it’s the emotional toll and sense of violation that can linger. That’s why strong home security should serve as your first line of defence.
Lock it in
Strong locks are a simple and effective way to secure your home. You can fit them yourself with some basic DIY skills. You can also call in a professional locksmith who’ll be able to recommend and fit a complete package.
Make sure all external doors have deadlocks fitted and, where possible, tamper-proof door frames. Even if someone manages to break in through a window, having a deadlock fitted will stop them from opening the door from the inside. At the very least, this will make it harder for them to walk out the door with your TV.
Windows and sliding doors should have lockable catches. If you like to leave a window ajar for fresh air, make sure it can be locked in position so nobody can open it further.
As far as access points go, windows are at the top of the list. Consider installing security screens or shatter-resistant film to make it harder for someone to break in.
When you take out home insurance, you’re responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent theft. The suggestions in this guide, such as strong locks, may help you meet these obligations.
Stay safe with smart security systems
Smart security systems have come a long way from basic burglar alarms. Today, there’s a wide range of affordable, easy to install technology to monitor and record activity around your home. Internet-connected systems stand guard 24/7, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world.
Video doorbells and intercoms are popular for monitoring visitors, especially with the rise in home deliveries. They detect and record activity at your door, providing visibility whether you’re sitting on the couch or running errands on the other side of town.
Motion sensor lights and cameras illuminate and record movement around your property. This makes it harder for burglars to stay undetected. Make sure you trim any hedges near the cameras so they can get a good view.
For a low-tech option, install a security peephole, screen door, or door chain. These are simple ways of checking who’s at your door before opening it.
Smart security can help you look after your home.
At home while away
Homes are more vulnerable when they’re unoccupied for an extended period, especially if they look empty. It’s important to consider your insurance coverage. Some home insurance policies may not provide cover where the home has not been lived for a certain period of time.
Use timer switches on lamps, TVs, and sound systems to create the impression that someone is at home at different times. Some systems can be controlled by smartphones and can be set to activate randomly, rather than at a fixed time each day.
Good neighbours are a great defence. Ask them to collect your mail or request that Australia Post hold it until you return. Consider asking a neighbour to put out and take in your bins so it looks like someone’s home. Cancel any regular deliveries, such as newspapers. If you’ll be away for a long time, arrange to have the lawns cut while you’re away.
Put away any garden tools and lock the shed, if you can. That way, you’re not giving any opportunistic burglar the means to break in.
Most importantly, before you go, remember to lock up. If you’re in the habit of leaving concealed keys outside—never a good idea anyway—make sure you remove them before you go on holiday.
How Allianz Home Insurance covers theft
Homes are more vulnerable when they’re unoccupied for an extended period, especially if they look empty. It’s important to consider your insurance coverage. Some home insurance policies may not provide cover where the home has not been lived for a certain period of time.
Use timer switches on lamps, TVs, and sound systems to create the impression that someone is at home at different times. Some systems can be controlled by smartphones and can be set to activate randomly, rather than at a fixed time each day.
Good neighbours are a great defence. Ask them to collect your mail or request that Australia Post hold it until you return. Consider asking a neighbour to put out and take in your bins so it looks like someone’s home. Cancel any regular deliveries, such as newspapers. If you’ll be away for a long time, arrange to have the lawns cut while you’re away.
Put away any garden tools and lock the shed, if you can. That way, you’re not giving any opportunistic burglar the means to break in.
Most importantly, before you go, remember to lock up. If you’re in the habit of leaving concealed keys outside—never a good idea anyway—make sure you remove them before you go on holiday.
Under our Buildings and Contents Insurance, we can cover loss or damage caused by actual or attempted theft or burglary. Theft means someone you don’t know enters your home without force. Burglary involves forced entry, such as a break-in.
Note that there are some exclusions for theft cover. For example, you’re not covered for theft by anyone you employ at your home, like a cleaner or gardener. For full policy details and exclusions, see your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
It’s also important to make sure that the amount you insure your belongings for is accurate. To help you estimate this, use our Home Insurance calculators.
If you experience theft or burglary, you must report it to the police as soon as reasonably possible . The police report will be an important part of your claim. When you’re ready, our caring claims team will support you through the claims process.
By combining smart security with Allianz Home and Contents Insurance, you’re taking strong steps to secure your home against theft.
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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