Winter Security Tips for Melbourne Homes: Staying Safe When the Nights Draw In

1. Light the outside, deliberately

Sensor lights on paths, side passages and the back door remove the dark corners people approach from. Timers on a couple of internal lamps — set to vary — look more lived-in than one light left on all evening.

2. Close shutters and coverings at dusk

Closing roller shutters or curtains in the evening stops people seeing in and hides whether anyone is home. Shutters also add a physical barrier over the glass and an extra layer against the cold.

3. Don't advertise an empty house

• Keep holiday plans off social media until you're back
• Ask a neighbour to clear the letterbox and move the bins
• Keep keys, bags and valuables out of sight from windows

4. Check windows, locks and fly screens

Windows are often left unlocked once the weather turns. Check every lock works. Damaged or loose fly screens make a window easier to get at and look neglected — winter is a good time to repair them before summer.

5. Secure side and back access

Side gates and back doors are out of sight from the street. Lock gates, keep ladders and tools stored away, and make sure rear and sliding doors have a sound lock — a security door lets you ventilate on milder days without leaving the door open.