Now that I Work from Home I’m Worried About Intruders, Can a Security Door Help?

Now that you’re working from home, you are not alone in being concerned that you could be robbed while you’re in the house. Installing a security door is a great way to protect your home and your household from the threat of a break-in. Let’s have a look at how burglars get into your home, what you can do to enhance your home security and what to do if you are the victim of a break-in.

Many Australians have successfully migrated their work into home offices and are enjoying the benefits of zero commute times, working in pyjamas from the waist down and using lunch breaks more efficiently (like, to watch Netflix and eat Doritos right out of the packet). There are, however, some seedy Australians whose work practices have become more complex since a portion of the population now works from home, and that’s burglars.

Since robbery is often a crime of opportunity, robbers will strike when they believe the home is easiest to get into undetected. You might not be aware of it, but many robberies occur while the occupants are still in the house. If someone has been watching your home to monitor your behaviour and notices you engrossed in work behind your desk every day, they might conclude that the most opportune time to strike is during your workday.

Most common methods of breaking into your home

Surprisingly, the most common way burglars enter homes is through an unlocked door or window. That’s right – through windows or doors that have been left unlocked by the occupants. That’s why it is never a good idea to assume that a burglar won’t target your house, even when you are in it all day.

If the doors and windows of a target property are locked, burglars are more likely to kick in a door than break a window as it makes less noise and doesn’t pose a safety risk to the thief.

The takeaway: Criminals favour entering through doors, whether unlocked or otherwise. And since they prefer to break down doors smash through windows, your best defence is to ensure your doors are always locked, whether you are home or not, and to secure your entryways with a barrier method of protection.

To give your household the best safeguard against break-ins while you’re working from home, you might be thinking about installing security screens for your windows and doors. With security screens that exceed the Australian Standards, you can feel safe leaving your home open to a breeze without fear of intruders getting in.

Which security screen is right for me?

Let’s investigate your options!

ScreenGuard security doors – Designed and engineered in Australia, ScreenGuard security doors are the ultimate choice in home protection. ScreenGuard doors are made from high-tensile woven marine-grade stainless steel mesh set in a heavy-duty aluminium frame. They are fitted with a triple locking system to ensure absolute protection and durability. ScreenGuard doors are covered by a 10-year product warranty valid from the date of installation.

PerfGuard security doors

PerfGuard Security doors are a fantastic option for customers looking for a strong, visually appealing door that allows visual access without compromising your level of protection. The mesh component in PerfGuard security doors is manufactured from 1.6mm thick, corrosion-resistant perforated aluminium sheeting. PerfGuard doors are covered by a seven-year warranty from the date of installation.

Diamond grille Security doors

If you’re looking for a security door at a lower price point that will still look great and protect your home, the classic diamond grille design is worth considering. These versatile doors are designed to stand the test of time and provide a customisable and economical option for home protection. Diamond grille security doors are in a wide range of colours and can be fitted as a hinged or sliding door with either a double diamond or single diamond grille design. The mesh style available for the diamond grilles can be customised to your preference: lightweight flyscreen mesh, pet mesh, perforated aluminium, or privacy/one-way/DVA mesh.

 Ornate cast aluminium grilles

If your home has a heritage style that you don’t want compromised by a modern-looking security screen, ornate cast aluminium grilles might be the answer for you. Jim’s Security Doors offers a range of ornate cast aluminium grilles to add charm and sophistication to your home without endangering durability or protection levels. These heritage-look grilles are available in various colours and can be fitted with lightweight flyscreen mesh, pet mesh, or one-way privacy/DVA security mesh for premium protection.

The takeaway: Whether your home is heritage or modern, Jim’s Security Doors has the right security doors to match your style and budget.

Are you thinking of installing security doors? Call Jim’s Security Doors on 131 546 for a free measure, quote and consultation.

What to do if a burglar gets in

Now that you’re working from home, the likelihood of being home during a break-in is higher than when you were commuting and out of the house at least eight hours of the day. If you forget to lock your doors or have not yet installed security screens and a burglar does get in, here are some tips to get you through this scary and violating situation.

1. Quickly and carefully make sure it really is a burglary

Be quick, but don’t be frantic. Take a moment to breathe deeply before checking out the situation safely. If you have security cameras linked to your phone, check them from where you are. If not, stay still and try to distinguish between everyday sounds such as plumbing and pet noises and more sinister ones like footsteps and opening doors.

2. Stay calm

Once you’ve verified that your home has been invaded, you’ll likely experience a surge of adrenaline. That’s normal, but it’s essential to stay calm so you can decide with a clear head what to do next. While your instinct might be to fight, that’s not a good idea unless you have tactical training in high-intensity situations.

3. Try to find an escape

If you can safely find a way out of the house, use it. Look for windows or doors you can safely exit from without drawing attention to your presence.

4. Stay put if you can’t escape

If the intruder is between you and your exit, shut yourself into a bathroom, bedroom, or even a closet. Lock the door and try to barricade it if you can. Stay as quiet as possible.

5. Call the police

Whether you make the decision to hide or escape, call 000 for help. Keep your voice low and quiet and speak slowly.

6. Take notes of what you see and hear

If you’re hiding in the house and see or hear the intruder, take note of everything. That way, if they escape before the police arrive, you can hopefully give them enough detail to help an investigation. But don’t put yourself in any harm to get information.

If you’re working from home and are worried about a break-in occurring, there’s a lot you can do to prevent your home being targeted for a robbery. A break-in can be a traumatic experience, but a little preparation can help you prevent a home intrusion. By installing safety measures such as security screens across your doors and windows, you can dive into your work knowing your household and possessions are safe from burglars.

If you’re looking to enhance your home protection by installing a security door or security window screens, get in touch with Jim’s Security Door Melbourne to arrange a free measure-and-quote.