With so many Gold Coasters heading off for school holidays, long weekends at the hinterland, or interstate escapes, one thing often gets overlooked in the rush to pack bags and book flights: making sure your home is properly secured while you’re away.
Burglaries on the Gold Coast tend to spike during holiday periods and most of them are opportunistic. That means a few simple steps before you leave can make a significant difference. Here’s your complete guide to securing your home before heading off.
When did you last actually test every door lock and window latch in your home? Many Gold Coast homeowners are surprised to find worn, stiff, or outright faulty locks they’ve been meaning to get sorted “for ages.” Before you go on holiday is the time to get them fixed.
Pay particular attention to: rear and side doors that aren’t used as often, sliding glass doors which are a common entry point, garage doors and the internal door connecting the garage to your home, and any windows that don’t close or lock properly.
If you spot anything that doesn’t work as it should, call in a qualified locksmith before you leave. The team at Allcoast Locksmiths services the Gold Coast 24/7 and can assess and fix faulty locks quickly so you’re not leaving gaps for opportunistic break-ins.
Standard spring latches (the kind that lock automatically when you close the door) are significantly easier to defeat than a deadbolt. If your front or back door only has a spring latch, it’s well worth upgrading before you travel.
A quality deadbolt requires a key to open from the outside and a turn knob from the inside, making it far harder to bypass without breaking the door itself. Ask a licensed locksmith which deadbolt is appropriate for your door type not all deadbolts fit all doors, and a poor installation can be just as bad as no lock at all.
This one isn’t about locks, but it’s just as important. Posting “Off to Bali for two weeks! Can’t wait!” on Facebook or Instagram can inadvertently let people including those with bad intentions know your house is empty. Save the holiday photos for when you’re back home safely.
A house that looks lived in is far less appealing to a burglar than one that obviously isn’t. Ask a neighbour to collect your mail, put your bins out on collection day, and occasionally park in your driveway if possible. These small things signal that someone is around.
Cheap plug-in light timers (available from any hardware store) can switch lights on and off at set times, giving the impression that someone’s home in the evening. Set a lamp or two to come on around dusk and go off at a reasonable bedtime.
Under the doormat. Above the door frame. Under a pot plant. Under a fake rock. Burglars know all of these hiding spots they look there first. If you need to leave a key with someone, give it directly to a trusted friend or neighbour rather than stashing it somewhere “hidden” outside.
If you’ve ever lost track of who has a spare key to your property, now is a great time to rekey your locks. Rekeying is affordable, fast, and gives you complete peace of mind that only the people you choose can access your home.
Modern security cameras with motion detection and mobile app notifications are surprisingly affordable and easy to install. Many Gold Coast homeowners are also moving towards smart locks keypad or app-controlled systems that eliminate the need for a physical key entirely.
Allcoast Locksmiths can advise on smart lock options that suit your home, budget, and level of tech comfort. A smart lock lets you monitor access remotely and even grant temporary entry to a house sitter or tradesperson without cutting a new key.
Securing your home before a holiday doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Start with a proper lock inspection, fix anything that’s not working, and put a few simple habits in place. If you’re not sure where your home’s weak points are, a residential security assessment from a licensed locksmith is a great investment.
Allcoast Locksmiths has been keeping Gold Coast homes secure for over 40 years. Give us a call before your next trip away. We’ll make sure you leave with complete confidence that your home is protected.
