From the initial design of a new house to having emergency numbers keyed into your phone, there are a number of features that can be installed to make your home more secure.

It makes sense to have your home as secure as possible to prevent crimes of opportunity, which most house break-ins are.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) became Neighbourhood Watch’s (NHW) major sponsor on July 1, with the two organisations now working together to further promote community safety.

If you are building a new home, talk to your architect or builder about a design that helps prevent crime.

Neighbourhood Watch state coordinator Sergeant Steve Batterham says having solid doors, locks on windows, the elimination of dark spots, improved exterior lighting, an alarm system, and good-quality deadlocks on doors are all security features which will make your home more secure.

In an established home, consider installing a security door which complies with Australian Standards 2803.1 and 2804 if you wish to leave a door open for ventilation.

A good-quality security door should have the certifying label clearly displayed. It should also have a heavy-duty frame, three security hinges and a deadlock, and be of 7mm mesh (if aluminum) or 10-12mm square bars if steel.

Keep it locked at all times, even when you are at home.

Another security feature is to key in emergency numbers if you own a touch phone. Considering keying in the numbers of:

1. The Local police station
2. Triple zero (000)
3. Family members, a neighbour or close friend so they can be dialled by pressing one button.

Keying in numbers to your phone may be an important timesaver, especially in an emergency or if you are dialling in the dark.

Sergeant Batterham says it’s worth considering connecting a telephone extension to your bedroom. Messages on answering machines should also be carefully worded so as not to indicate you live alone or that the house is unattended.

The REIQ is encouraging its members to get actively involved in local NHW programs around the state.

Over the next three years, it will assist in NHW’s vital role of ensuring that Queensland is a safer place to live so this highly regarded crime-prevention program continues to go from strength to strength.