While crime rates continue to increase across Queensland, the Gold Coast, in contrast, has experienced an 18.6% drop in robberies over the past year, ABC News reports. This is in contrast to the rest of Queensland which recorded a 10.1% increase. Additionally, vehicle theft is down 1.4% on the Gold Coast, while it rose by 15.9% state-wide. It’s thought the Gold Coast’s proactive policing efforts are largely the reason for this positive downturn. Nevertheless, in light of the wider figures, many Queensland residents and business owners have already made efforts to improve their home and business security. Measures like door security and hybrid alarms can help prevent break-ins and keep premises secure.
Queensland burglars emboldened
Attempted break-ins in Queensland increased from 2.3% to 3.2% between 2021-2023, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals. Specifically, around 55,000 households had a vehicle stolen, while 220,000 had things stolen from their vehicle. Business owner Brad Neven told ABC News about his nightmare break-in last year when five criminals stole his keys, wallet, and motorbike from his Yeppoon home — with his family there at the time. “It’s incredulous that they would do that at six-thirty in the morning, in daylight”, Mr. Neven said.
Local businesses targeted
To add insult to injury, thieves also recently stole from Mr. Neven’s business’ machinery yard. “I don’t want to live in a society where I have to have barbed wire around my business, which we do have”, he said. But, Mr. Neven certainly isn’t alone as thieves have targeted numerous businesses across the state. Yeppoon-based sports store owner, Anne Fursman, also said she’s been robbed six times within ten months. “We had a ram raid, a car came through the big glass sliding doors and it took three weeks to get those fixed and we had another break-in during that period”.
Security measures no longer optional, but essential
Given the general rise in break-ins, it’s not surprising Queensland security businesses say there’s been recent increased demand for home and business security systems. One essential area not to overlook is door security as 34% of burglars gain access to buildings through unlocked front doors. Sliding security doors, in particular, are a great choice as they come with a secure mesh locking system that prevent criminals gaining entry. As these doors also look good and let in fresh air, they work particularly well for patios and gardens.
Hybrid alarm systems are another home and business security essential. These systems are hard-wired and also use wireless sensors, which means they can be conveniently managed via an app. You can then program the system and receive security notifications on your phone. These systems are also intelligent: the wireless sensors can distinguish between usual residents and suspicious movements that may signal a security breach.
Although break-ins are in decline across the Gold Coast, locals still should strengthen their home and/or business security, especially in light of the state-wide crime increase. Smart security measures are a simple yet effective step to prevent burglaries and keep homes and businesses safe.
