Gina Field, security expert and founder of Nepean Regional Security, recently appeared on 2GB to discuss practical, affordable measures Australians can take to better protect their homes and vehicles. With nearly 40 years of experience in the security industry, Gina cut through the noise to remind listeners that effective security doesn’t require the latest technology — often, the most reliable deterrents are the simplest ones.
One of the first points Gina raised was the sobering statistic that 31% of Australians are still leaving their front doors unlocked — equating to roughly one home every five minutes, according to the Bureau of Statistics. She emphasised the importance of creating the illusion of an occupied home, which can be achieved at little to no cost. Simple measures such as keeping lawns mowed, hedges trimmed, and side gates padlocked all contribute to making a property a less attractive target. Solar-sensor movement lights, available for as little as $50 at most hardware stores, add another layer of deterrence, as do plug-in light timers — a throwback to the 1980s that still costs around $20 and can be set to vary throughout the evening.
Gina also highlighted a lesser-known vulnerability: the standard screws used in most door latches are only around two centimetres long, making doors far easier to kick in than most people realise. Replacing them with seven to nine centimetre screws — costing as little as five to ten dollars — can significantly harden a home’s entry points. She also touched on the return of the steering wheel lock, noting that these devices, ranging from $60 to $100, are increasingly being used not just by everyday motorists but also by car yards and farmers protecting ATVs and other equipment.
On the digital side, Gina flagged a growing risk that many homeowners overlook: weak Wi-Fi passwords. With security cameras now commonly linked to home networks and mobile devices, she warned that approximately 20% of Australians — around 5.5 million people — use their pet’s name as their Wi-Fi password, leaving their systems far more exposed than they may realise. Strengthening passwords is a free and immediate step that anyone with a connected security system should take.
Throughout the interview, Gina acknowledged the broader impact of home break-ins beyond the financial loss — noting that in her decades of experience attending break-and-enter scenes, the lasting effect on victims is often a deep sense of vulnerability and violation. Her overarching message was clear: a combination of visibility, physical barriers, good lighting, and basic digital hygiene can go a long way toward protecting what matters most, without requiring a significant outlay.
