- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Media Release
2.2 million front doors are left unlocked
- Only 53% of Aussie have window locks
- One in two lack home and contents insurance
- Tips to keep your home safe
14 November, 2018, Sydney, Australia – Of the 9.9 million front doors in Australia, a stranger could walk into nearly a quarter (23%) of them, according to new research from finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything.
The finder.com.au survey of 2,013 Australians found fewer than one in three households (30%) use deadbolts on the front door, while little over half (53%) have locks on their windows.
Kate Browne, Personal Finance Expert at finder.com.au, said there is room for improvement when it comes to home security in Australia.
“Some people are so complacent they don’t even lock the front door. Burglary happens everywhere – even in the safest neighbourhoods,” she said.
Just 49% of Aussies have taken out home and contents insurance, leaving almost half the population vulnerable to theft.
Browne said homeowners need to ensure that their house and contents are adequately covered in the event of loss or damage.
“Your house is where you store your most important possessions – home insurance helps protect them. Without it the consequences can be financially devastating.”
One in eight Aussies (12%) have a sophisticated video system installed or a guard dog on the property.
Browne urged Aussies to consider sensible precautions.
“Routinely lock up and don’t leave your car keys lying around. Itemise any valuables on your home insurance policy and be careful with who you let into your house.
“Most burglaries are crimes of convenience – your average burglar will lack the skills or the brainpower to pull off a daring heist. By leaving your home unlocked you’re making it easy for them, and this is how your insurer will see it.
“Leaving windows or doors open, or not locking windows where locks are fitted – especially if you are not at home – is a great way to void your insurance policy.
“If a burglar is able to gain unforced entry to your home, your insurer may not pay out on your full claim, so make sure you lock those doors when you go out.
Do you lock your front door?
| State | Yes |
|---|---|
| QLD | 80% |
| WA | 78% |
| VIC | 77% |
| NSW | 77% |
| SA | 74% |
What home protection do you have/use regularly?
| Security measure | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Door locks | 77% |
| Window locks | 53% |
| Home and contents insurance | 49% |
| Locked garage (with parked car) | 41% |
| Dead bolts | 30% |
| Alarm | 22% |
| Locked garage (no car, used for storage | 14% |
| Guard dog | 13% |
| Contents only insurance | 13% |
| Home insurance (building only) | 12% |
| Video System/CTV | 12% |
| None of the above | 7% |
| All of the above | 3% |
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE
- Don’t leave your key somewhere obvious:Under the mat or in a flower pot near the door are the first place burglars will look. Try to find place that isn’t visible from the street.
- Install a sensor light:This acts as a good deterrent by making it harder for people to sneak around your property unnoticed.
- Review your home and contents insurance: Make sure that all contents listed are up to date. Have you purchased any new furniture or valuables since you last renewed your policy that may need to be added?
###
For further information
- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Disclaimer
The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.
About Finder
Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.
Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.
We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.
12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel