With more than 37,000 unlawful break-ins reported to Queensland police since January, police are urging homeowners to assess their home security.
Superintendent Rob Fleischer from the Crime Prevention Unit said home security started with deterrence.
“Most of the time there are quite minor ways or easy ways to improve your security,” he said.
“The more you can prevent them from moving freely through your house, the more chance you’ve got of losing less property.
“Most of the time the first place they’ll come to is your front door and then your windows.”
Read Related Also: Some Parents Surprised to Discover Joe's Not Forgiving the Loans They Took Out
To help households bolster home security, Neighbourhood Watch has launched a pilot program offering a $500 reimbursement to victims of crime who invest in target-hardening measures.
They include security screens on windows and doors, security lights, sensor lights and CCTV.
The trial is funded by the federal government and is running in three locations Australia-wide, including Toowoomba, with plans to expand it across Queensland.
Homeowners can also visit their local police station to request a free security audit of their home.
