Secure Spots for Stowing Your Keys: Preventing Unwanted Key Losses
Staying safe in today's world is more important than ever. Whether it's protecting your home or vehicle, being vigilant and taking the right precautions can make a significant difference. Here are some best practices for keeping your keys and your property secure, as advised by experts.
According to RACV Senior Product Manager for Trades, Nathan Tayeh, most locksmith callouts are attended within a couple of hours. This highlights the importance of having a reliable and secure locking system in place. A qualified locksmith, with the skills and equipment to assist without damaging your lock or door, can help ensure your home and car are secure.
When it comes to home security, keeping keys out of common hiding places is crucial. Avoid leaving keys under doormats, flowerpots, or in easy-reach areas near doors. Instead, store keys securely inside the home in a dedicated safe or locked cabinet. Hiding car keys inside the home and away from entry points is also advisable, as burglars often break into homes to steal car keys.
Implementing good home security measures is another key step. This includes setting and maintaining a monitored alarm system, securing doors and windows with updated locks, and installing motion sensor lighting around the home. Using video doorbells with two-way audio can also help monitor front-door activity and deter burglars.
Practicing smart car security habits is equally important. Always lock vehicle doors and close windows, never leave car keys or the vehicle running unattended, and park in well-lit, busy areas. Using visible deterrents such as steering wheel locks and aftermarket alarm systems can also discourage thieves.
Modern alarm and CCTV solutions have apps available to control your security system from your smartphone, making it easier than ever to keep an eye on your property. The Crime Statistics Agency of Victoria recorded almost 20,000 burglary or break-and-enter offences at private dwellings in Victoria for the year ending June 2024, underscoring the need for these precautions.
In addition, it's recommended to change the locks when buying a home or losing a key outside the home. A key safe - a strong storage box with a keycode - is a popular way of storing a spare key, but it's important to install it in a discreet area that can't be seen from the street. It's also a good idea to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member, as advised by Victoria Police and Neighbourhood Watch.
The How Safe is My Place app, developed by Neighbourhood Watch and RACV, is a useful tool for determining home security and identifying risks. Home security systems, such as security cameras, alarm systems, or smart-home technology, can help secure your home. An unusual spot that's known only to you and is situated well away from windows is preferred for storing your keys inside.
Remember, it's important to disengage deadlocks when inside to ensure safe escape in the event of a fire. Garages are also a hotspot for burglary entry, especially if garage doors are not closed or well maintained. Unlocked side and rear doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars.
Locksmiths undergo a four-year apprenticeship, gaining a Certificate III of Locksmithing, and can install, maintain, and repair mechanical and electronic security systems, including electronic access control, CCTV, and alarm systems.
By following these tips, you can make it harder for thieves to access keys or gain entry, significantly improving both home and vehicle security.
Maintaining a secure lifestyle at home includes keeping keys well-concealed, away from typical hiding places such as under doormats or near doors, instead choosing to store them securely within the home, preferably in a safe or locked cabinet. A home-and-garden setup is more secure with good security measures in place, like a monitored alarm system, updated locks on doors and windows, motion sensor lights around the property, and video doorbells with two-way audio.
