Top tips to Spring Clean your Home Security

June 19, 2023

Did you know that once the temperatures start rising, so does the number of home break-ins? It seems birds, blossoms and burglars just love to come out in the warmer weather – which is why Spring is the ideal time to make sure your home is clean, safe and burglar-proof

Spring into action
“Where to start?” you ask. Thanks to Crimsafe and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia, getting started is easy. The crime prevention partners have joined forces once again for Secure September, and this year are bringing you simple ways to improve clean-up crime around your home and local area as you go about your spring cleaning routine.

Ready to get started?


Check your Score

Before you begin – check to see just how secure your home is. You can do this with
Secure Score – a free online home security audit tool. You’ll get a score out of 100 and some simple tips to help you improve this score.

Our top tips

Lock up your tools – don’t let your tools be one of the tools a burglar uses to break into your home. Don’t make it easy for them. Tidy up your tools, ladders and garden equipment and lock them up.

No places to hide – burglars look for an easy target where they won’t be seen. So limit the hiding places around your home. Cut back any overgrown trees and make sure your front door and windows can be easily seen from the street.

Put the spotlight on intruders – while cleaning your outdoor light fittings, consider installing sensor lights or smart lighting to protect your home. If you already have them, check that they’re in good working order and make sure the exits and entrances to your home are well lit. Putting burglars in the spotlight is an excellent way to send them packing!

No easy entrances – when you spring-clean your windows, check to see how easy they are to access from the outside. Are they secure in their frames? Are they lockable? Have you considered security screens? View the range of Crimsafe security window screens.

Talking about security screens – when was the last time you washed yours? Regularly cleaning your screens will improve airflow, remove build-up and impurities and ensure they perform at their best. It’s easy to restore them to their former glory with the Crimsafe cleaning range.

Coming clean up front – while you’re cleaning your security windows and doors, make sure the entrance to your property is visible from your front door. Adding a peephole might be a good idea. Make sure you test the locks and that you have all the right keys on hand too. Having a single key for all screens and doors is very handy.

Don’t forget the back door – laundry doors are one of the most common entry points for burglars. So when you’re spring-cleaning your washing machine, dryer and vacuum cleaner this Secure September, take a moment to check all your back doors too.

The key to success – is not hiding your spare key under the mat, on a window ledge, around a door frame, in a fake rock or in the mailbox. While you’re cleaning up your garden, find a safe, secure place to hide a spare key that a burglar won’t think of.

 Protect your ID – your possessions aren’t the only things that burglars are after. Identity theft is on the rise too, so when you’re cleaning up your paperwork, be sure to properly destroy any documents containing personal details before putting them in your wheelie bin.

 Keep a record – spring-cleaning your living areas or sorting out your cupboards and wardrobes is the perfect time to compile a list of the serial numbers, makes and models of valuable items in your home. This will streamline the insurance process if you’re ever unlucky enough to be burgled.

Love your neighbour – as they say, everybody needs good neighbours. They’ll keep an eye on your property for suspicious activity, whether you’re home or away. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch program and display the Neighbourhood Watch sign prominently so burglars know that someone is likely to be keeping an eye on your home. You can find your local group here.

By Aaron Butt September 28, 2024
Is it time to invest in Roller Shutters? With summer heat or autumn storms it is always the perfect time to consider installing Roller Shutter Blinds for your home or business. Windows are often an area of the home that is forgotten when it comes to building or renovating. Many home owners have found adding outdoor roller shutters to windows can not only save you on heating and cooling cost (who doesn’t need that right now?) they can also add a very important layer of security . In this article we explore the many features and benefits of roller shutters and the main factors that influence people’s decision when investing in shutters. Roller Shutters are popular with Australian homeowners because of their many long-term benefits such as being easy care, increased security, improved insulation, light control and durability. Benefits of adding Roller Shutters to your home. Added security to windows that may be vulnerable to break ins or vandals Privacy on demand, with the push of a button. Protection against bad weather extremes, storms & bushfire (BAL 40) Increase Energy Efficiency from Insulation and Thermal Control Sound deadening even in heavy traffic locations or from noisy neighbours Peace of Mind for your home even when you can't be home How do roller shutters work? Made from horizontal slats or panels the high-quality Rollasheild roller shutters are made from durable materials such as aluminium or steel that are mounted on the exterior of windows and sliding doors. They can be a manual or motorised operation making them easy to operate for all users. Not all roller shutters are equal . Like most things when it comes to quality, you get what you pay for. Cheap roller blinds take short cuts with materials and usually don’t have the same insulation properties. At SSTG we supply and install Australian made, Premium Roller Shutters for quality security and peace of mind. The Rollashield Curved Series slat is a double walled cavity with PU foam injected during the roll forming process. This process provides economical strength and insulation qualities while maintaining exceptional working performance of the slat. The curved shape of the slat provides optimal lateral strength and minimal roll sizes, offering a much smaller head box size. Main factors that influence people’s decision on roller shutters are : •Security •Energy Efficiency •Design - Colour/Aesthetics •Functionality •Quality Manufacturing •Maintenance and Repair •Value for Money How do roller shutters enhance security? Roller shutters act as a physical barrier against intruders or vandals which in turn becomes a visual deterrent to would be thieves looking for an easy entrance or exit point. Made from durable materials and equipped with robust locking systems when fully closed over a window or sliding door, they provide an added layer of barrier protection for your home. Quality and reliability play a big part in the cost of a roller blind. Obviously there is always a “cheaper version from overseas” but is that necessarily financially viable in the long term? We've put together our top 10 benefits that influence peoples choice when considering the purchase of roller shutters. 1. Protection against Bushfires Protection from Australia’s harsh climate. Bushfires are a common problem in Australia. Roller shutters can help to protect your home from bushfires and other fires. A bushfire-rated roller shutter can act as a barrier and protect your home against heat and ash. Your windows can also be saved as fires can shatter the glass. For quick operation, electric roller shutters are also a consideration for bushfire-prone homes. 2. Home security Improve your home security system. Another reason to choose roller shutters is that they provide an extra layer of security for your home. Roller shutters have a locking system and act as a barrier to intruders and deter break-ins. Thieves look for homes with easy access, and when they see shutters, they're put off. This means that roller shutters, in a similar way to security doors, also act as a visual deterrent for home intrusion. 3. Energy Efficiency. Increase your homes energy rating with insulation and thermal control. Roller Shutters are highly resilient and will be able to withstand all types of weather conditions without warping. Enjoy temperature control with quality roller shutters made with insulated slats. This means they are effective in stopping heat from escaping your home in winter and can reduce heat from entering your home in summer. This enables you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round while you save money on energy bills. Roller shutters offer insulation by creating a barrier between the window and the interior. This helps to minimise heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. 4. Weather events Protection from the elements. Roller shutters add protection against all types of weather conditions from hot sunny days to stormy weather, wind, rain and hailstones. Quality roller shutters that are professionally installed will not rattle during high wind and can help to protect your home from trees and storm debris. 5. Ease of use. Privacy On Demand with a Single button Manual verses automatic. In high up and hard to reach places an automatic system that only requires the push of a button far out way the additional cost. 6. Noise Reduction Sound deadening from traffic and neighbours. Roller shutters don't only offer light control but sound control too. Quality roller shutters can reduce noise from traffic, neighbours, animals, aeroplanes and more. 7. Light control From daylight to block out with the flick of a switch. With roller shutters, you can control how much light enters a room. If you need complete darkness you can close the shutters completely. This is a great option for people who work at night and sleep during the day, have young families that nap during the day. 8. Stylish design Roller shutters are available in a variety of colours to suit the design of your home and your personal style preference. Today's quality roller shutters are streamlined and fit neatly into a secure headbox pelmet above a window or door, keeping your view completely unobstructed in the up position. And because roller shutters are installed on the outside of your home, they don't take up space on the inside of a room. 9. Add value to your home As a permanent window fixture, quality roller shutters add value to your home. Because roller shutters have many benefits if you decide to sell 10. Easy to maintain. One of the many reasons homeowners choose roller shutters is because of the easy cleaning process - it's easy to keep roller shutters looking brand new for years with very little effort. Before you begin cleaning, ensure your roller shutters are completely rolled down. To clean the outside of your roller shutters, simply hose with a down motion and side-to-side with low water pressure. For embedded dirt, you can wipe with clean water, mild detergent and a damp cloth. Depending on the grime build-up, you can use non-abrasive cleaners, a soft cloth and warm water. When you need to get in between the individual slats, a soft-bristled brush and soapy water can help remove grime build-up. Dish soap can also be used but avoid steel wool or abrasive cleaning solvents as these can damage the surface of your roller shutters. Also, avoid a high-pressure hose as this can damage the slats. For more information, enquire online or get in touch for a free measure and quote.
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