Neighbourhood Watch NT reveals top 7 tips to keep safe

Neighbourhood Watch NT has released it’s top seven tips for keeping you and your home safe, ahead of free personal safety sessions in Alice Springs.

Getting to know neighbours, develop a locking up routine and leave keys out of sight.

These are among the top tips from Neighbourhood Watch NT ahead of a series of free personal safety sessions in Alice Springs.

Neighbourhood Watch NT chief executive Chris Brack said staying safe in your home at night was a top priority for everybody.

Mr Brack hgas shared the following tips for Territorians to keep safe at night.

1. Get to know your neighbours

Mr Brack said your neighbours could potentially be “your number one crime prevention tool”.

“They can report suspicious behaviour around your property and keep an eye on your place when you’re not around,” he said.

“Instead of leaving a spare key on the property, consider giving it to a trusted neighbour.”

2. Develop a routine for locking up

Mr Brack said it may sound simple but it was easy to become distracted and forget to lock up.

“Consider developing a routine to ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked, including your vehicle,” he said.

Neighbourhood Watch NT is hosting free personal safety sessions for Alice Springs residents at the end of March.

3. Leave your keys out of sight

“Keep your house, vehicle and belongings secure by leaving keys out of sight and away from doors and windows,” Mr Brack said.

He reminded people that although it was convenient to place keys in an accessible spot, that spot may also be convenient for burglars.

4. Install motion-activated lighting

“Motion-activated lights can effectively deter potential intruders and scare off anyone who doesn’t want to be seen,” Mr Brack said.

He recommended installing the sensors near entrances to your home.

5. Prepare your home when going away

“Make it look like someone is at home when you’re away,” Mr Brack said.

He recommended completing an Absentee Advice Form through Neighbourhood Watch NT to provide emergency services with contact details in case problems arose, setting up light timers or asking a neighbour to take care of your property while away to deter criminals.

6. Trust your gut

In situations where you feel off or uncomfortable, Mr Brack said to “trust your gut and take steps to remove yourself from the situation”.

7. Keep your valuables hidden

Mr Brack said when out and about in public don’t keep your in plain sight.

“Don’t display your valuables, such as your phone or wallet, in public. Keep them hidden in a pocket or bag,” he said.

Neighbourhood Watch NT and Victims of Crime NT have partnered with Personal Protection Strategies to create free personal safety sessions for Alice Springs residents at the end of March.

Sessions will focus on safety, interactivity and inclusivity, including a practical self-defence component that can be tailored to all levels of mobility.

A Women’s Personal Safety Session will be held on Wednesday, March 29 at the Desert Knowledge Precinct, while a Community Personal Safety Session will be held on Thursday, March 30 at the 50s Plus Centre.

Bookings are to be made through Eventbrite by searching Personal Safety Session Alice Springs.