In her interview with Phil O’Neil on 2GB, Gina Field, founder of Nepean Regional Security, shared vital tips for securing homes over the Easter break. She warned listeners not to overshare holiday plans on social media, especially by posting photos that reveal your house, car, or location. Thieves often monitor social media to identify unattended properties and plan break-ins. Gina emphasised that even seemingly harmless details, like a family photo taken in front of a house, can help would-be thieves gather valuable information such as address, visibility, and accessibility.
She also pointed out common security mistakes, including hiding keys in fake rocks or under doormats — spots that thieves often check. Gina revealed that around 30% of Australians leave their front doors unlocked, 19% leave windows open, and 22% forget to lock their back doors. These careless habits give thieves easy access, as they frequently test for unlocked entries. Additionally, she urged people not to leave keys and valuables in obvious places like kitchen drawers, baskets by the door, or hanging in the pantry.
Gina explained how modern thieves use devices like onboard diagnostics (OBDs) to extract data from car keys stored near entryways and then use that data to steal vehicles. She advised homeowners to store keys in a safe, metal box, or even wrap them in aluminium foil to block signal theft. She added that steering wheel locks, even basic ones, have become popular again as effective deterrents.
To improve security, Gina recommended securing side gates to limit access and installing affordable security systems that you can monitor through apps. However, she cautioned homeowners to padlock their external electrical boxes with approved locks, as thieves can otherwise disable the entire alarm and camera system. She also highlighted a risk in apartment buildings, where labelled or branded keyrings can make it easy for thieves to match keys with luxury cars in the parking garage.
Ultimately, Gina delivered a clear message: simple, common-sense actions can greatly reduce the risk of theft, especially during holidays when people tend to relax their vigilance. Thieves search for vulnerabilities, and often, our own complacency gives them the upper hand.
