House Quiz - How Safe is My Place

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How Safe Is My House Quiz

Let's begin
First, some general questions about your home and neighbourhood.
How safe do you feel when you are in your home?
Rate by moving the slider left or right, 1 being completely unsafe and 10 being totally safe
What type of home do you live in?*
- House
- Apartment
- Unit/Townhouse
- Farm / Rural Property
- Elevated House
Do you rent or own this property?*
- Rent
- Own
- Other
How well do you know your neighbours?*
- I know them very well and we frequently socialise together
- I know them fairly well; we keep an eye on each other’s places
- I know them to say hello and we talk occasionally, but that’s it
- I don’t know them
- I don’t get along with my neighbours
How safe is my place? NT Report

These tips have been generated from your responses to the
How safe is my place? NT self-assessment.
Your home
If you have external stairs and balconies, take precautions to secure accessible windows and doors.
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If you are renting you must seek permission from your landlord to make any improvements to the property.
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Your neighbours can be a valuable crime prevention tool, keeping an eye on your property and alerting you of any suspicious activity in the area. It is reassuring to have neighbours you can trust, who will keep an eye on your place when you’re not around and with whom you can leave a spare key. Try inviting your neighbours around for a coffee or a barbecue to get to know them better.
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Your neighbours can be a valuable crime prevention tool, keeping an eye on your property and alerting you of any suspicious activity in the area. Try inviting your neighbours around for a coffee or a barbecue to get to know them better.
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Your neighbours can be a valuable crime prevention tool, keeping an eye on your property and alerting you of any suspicious activity in the area. Next time you see someone who lives next door, across the road or in your street that you don’t know, give them a wave, “say hello”, start a conversation. Use our 'Hey there neighbour!' cards to easily introduce yourself.
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It can be hard when you don’t get along with your neighbours. Sometimes an impartial professional mediator can help. The NT Community Justice Centre can assist with mediation if you cannot resolve a dispute with a neighbour. Find out more on the NT Gov Website.

Your doors
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Don't forget to secure balcony doors.
Are your entry (external) doors fitted with the following security measures?
Solid core*
Listen as you tap along door to ensure no change in sound indicating hollow door.
- All
- Some
- None
Heavy-duty frame and frame fastening (strike plate)*
Is the door frame fixed securely to brick work /structure?
- All
- Some
- None
Strike plate
A strike plate is a metal plate affixed to a doorjamb with a hole or holes for the bolt of the door.
Sliding Doors*
Is the sliding door fitted with an interlock device or patio lock to prevent lifting from the frame?
- All
- Some
- None
Interlock device
Interlocks lock one moving part into another stationary or moving part to lock, join or link your sliding security door and your fixed glass panel.

Patio lock
A lock that mounts to the sliding door frame and secures into the outer frame of the door to prevent any movement. Device can be set at different intervals on the door frame to allow for airflow.
Quality keyed lock, three-point (triple) lock or deadbolt*
- All
- Some
- None
Quality keyed locks
A lock that is sturdy, well-made and will stand the test of time and force. A good quality lock will usually be key operated from both sides.
Deadbolts
Deadbolt latches engage deeper (usually 25mm) into the door jam, offering better security and can be either key locked from the inside or with a turning mechanism.
Three-point (triple) lock
A three-point lock has one central lock, plus an internal rod that connects to two additional locks, one above the main lock and one below it. It is significantly more secure than a single lock as it locks at three points on the door jamb.
Knob set locks*
- All
- Some
- None
Knob Sets
Locking mechanisms mounted in the handle of the door that lock by either pressing a button or turning a lever. Knob sets are more susceptible to tampering as they engage at a lesser depth in the door jam.
Snib locks*
- All
- Some
- None
Snib lock

A snib is a device to engage or disengage a lock without the use of a key.
Tamper guards and/or Strike plate guards*
- All
- Some
- None
Tamper guards
A plastic shield installed on the outside of the door surrounding the handle. Another layer of security to make it harder to unlock a snib locked door through the fly screen or remove keys.

Strike plate guards
A metal plate used to protect the locking mechanism for the door to prevent forced entry. Mounted on the outside of the door, surrounding the handle and the gap between the door and the jam.
Security screen doors*
- All
- Some
- None
One-way vision mesh, peephole or video doorbell*
- All
- Some
- None
One-way vision mesh
Security or fly screen mesh that prevents vision into the home from the outside, however allows the occupant to see out.
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External doors go through a lot of wear and tear. Take a look at your doors that could do with some extra security and make a plan to upgrade them so that it’s harder for thieves to break into your home. You don't have to do everything at once. Don't forget to secure balcony doors.
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External doors go through a lot of wear and tear. Take a look at your doors that could do with some extra security and make a plan to upgrade them so that it’s harder for thieves to break into your home. You don't have to do everything at once. Don't forget to secure balcony doors. Opt for a quality front door that’s solid and kick-proof. If you choose solid wood, double check that the wood is strong enough. Steel, metal and fibreglass doors are strong, durable and secure. Remember to upgrade door fittings at the same time to make your doors even harder to kick in.
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Ensure your locks are fitted with a strike plate firmly secured to the door frame, to make it harder for thieves to force entry through your door.
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Fitting an interlock device or patio lock to your sliding door will make lifting the door out of the frame difficult, adding another layer to your security.
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Installing quality locks may prevent a home break-in.
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Quality keyed locks, deadbolts and three point (triple) locks engage deeper into the door jam and are less susceptible to tampering.
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Snib locks are easily tampered with. Opportunistic thieves may cut flyscreens to gain access from the outside, remove keys left in locks and enter your home. Do not rely on snib locks as your only means to lock up.
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Installed alongside quality keyed locks, deadbolts and three-point (triple) locks these devices offer increased security to your home. They also offer some protection from tampering with snib locks.
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Make sure your security screen doors meet Australian Standard AS5039. Ideally, they should have a steel frame and grille, reinforced corners and a deep receiver channel. Find out more about Australian security screen standards on the National Security Screen Association Website.
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It is recommended to install security screens to all external doors and windows to improve your security. Make sure your security screen doors meet Australian Standard AS5039. Ideally, they should have a steel frame and grille, reinforced corners and a deep receiver channel. Find out more about Australian security screen standards on the National Security Screen Association Website.
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While one-way vision mesh, peepholes or video doorbells don’t increase security of your home, they allow you to see who is at your door, without opening it, which will help you make safer decisions about who to open your door for and potentially invite into your home.

Which of your windows have the following security measures?
Opportunistic thieves often check for windows that are unlocked, open or slightly ajar, particularly those that can’t be seen from the road.
Factory fitted window locks*
- All
- Some
- None
Window or patio locks*
- All
- Some
- None
A lock that mounts to the sliding window frame and secures into the outer frame of the window to prevent any movement. Device can be set at different intervals on the window frame to allow for airflow.
Reinforced/security glass or security film*
- All
- Some
- None
Security screens/bars*
- All
- Some
- None
Security Company/CCTV camera stickers*
- All
- Some
- None
Curtains/Blinds*
- All
- Some
- None
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Your Windows
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Some locks on factory fitted windows offer minimum resistance to forced entry. It is recommended these locks be upgraded to keyed locks to improve security.
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Fitted to the window and locking into the outer frame, patio and window locks offer increased security. Locks can also be set at different intervals along the windows outer frame to allow for airflow without compromising security.
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Consider having all windows keyed alike and keep that key with your other household keys. Avoid keeping these keys in their locks, especially when you are not at home.
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Reinforced/security glass is tougher to break, keeping glass particles in place when the pane has been compromised and is useful in severe storms to avoid debris in the home.
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Security camera stickers and CCTV camera stickers can act as deterrents for thieves. If you would like to be sent a Neighbourhood Watch sticker to display on your front window, email admin@nhwnt.org.au
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Keep your valuables out of sight. When leaving the home, draw your curtains and pull down your blinds to prevent unwanted guests looking in.

Which of these steps do you follow to secure your household keys?
NT Police estimate that almost a third of unlawful entries occur through unlocked doors and windows.
According to 2019 crime statistics.
House and car keys, including spares, are always stored out of sight, or on your person.*
House and car keys, including spares, are always stored out of sight, or on your person.
- Yes
- No
Keys are removed from window and door locks.*
Keys are removed from window and door locks.
- Yes
- No
Spare key kept with trusted neighbour, friend or relative.*
Spare key kept with trusted neighbour, friend or relative.
- Yes
- No
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Your keys
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Most opportunitistic thieves are in and out of your home in minutes. Don't leave your keys on the kitchen bench, on a hook next to the door, or on the kitchen table - put them away in less obvious places, or keep them on your person.
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Remove keys from locks to help control who has access to your home.
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The best place to leave a spare key is with a trusted neighbour, friend or relative. For those occasions of extended absence, these people can collect your mail, water plants, put the bins out and even mow lawns, making your home looking 'lived in'. It is also useful when you lock yourself out!

Does your home have any security systems?*
- Yes
- No
Which of the follow systems do you have in place?
- Motion sensors/detector
- Monitored security system
- Unmonitored security alarm
- Window or door sensors
- Security cameras covering all possible entry points
- Security footage stored safely
Motion sensor/detector
A device that detects movement in an area that persons should not be in (ie: an intruder) and alerts the control panel for your security system. Depending on how this is set up, it can either trigger an audible alarm on site or alert your security monitoring centre. Motion sensors can also be used to activate security lighting.
Monitored alarm system
A monitored alarm system will alert a call centre if the alarm gets triggered and this call centre will either contact the owner/occupant, contact the police or despatch a patrol vehicle depending on your service contract. Check you know which service you are paying for.
Unmonitored alarm system
This system sets off a loud siren inside and outside the home when the alarm is tripped. This system relies on your neighbours nearby to call the police if you are not home.
Window and door sensors
Door and window sensors will sound an alarm (emit a siren, trigger your home security system or sending you an alert on your phone) when someone picks a lock or climbs through an open window or door.
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Your security systems
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Consider securing your electricity box with an approved power industry padlock (contact Power and Water Corp.) so that opportunistic thieves can't shut off your power and negate security systems and lighting.
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Consider securing your electricity box with an approved power industry padlock (contact Power and Water Corp.) so that opportunistic thieves can't shut off your power and negate security systems and lighting. Consider securing your electricity box with an approved power industry padlock (contact Power and Water Corp.) so that opportunistic thieves can't shut off your power and negate security systems and lighting. There are a variety of security systems you can consider for your home.
- Position high-definition security cameras around entry points – at least 2MP (1080p) in resolution, but ideally 4MP (1440p), 5MP (1920p) or 4K (8MP) to provide sharper, clearer images that will catch facial features and number plate details. You can now get solar options with a SIM card which will deliver a signal to your smartphone.
- Motion sensors placed at key points around your home will trigger an alarm if they detect unusual movement. You can manually turn them off while you’re working.
- A smart camera has both video surveillance and an intelligent motion sensor built in. It sends text alerts to your smartphone, allows real-time viewing and has two-way audio. Footage is automatically uploaded to your cloud account which is safer and can be accessed remotely.
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A monitored alarm system will alert a call centre if the alarm gets triggered and this call centre will either contact the owner/occupant, contact the police or despatch a patrol vehicle depending on your service contract. Check you know which service you are paying for.

What safety measures do you already have in place at your home?
I keep a phone in my bedroom at night*
I keep a phone in my bedroom at night
- Yes
- No
I have sensor lighting or timed lighting in my home for when I’m not there*
I have sensor lighting or timed lighting in my home for when I’m not there
- Yes
- No
I keep all my doors and windows secured when I’m at home or in my yard*
I keep all my doors and windows secured when I’m at home or in my yard
- Yes
- No
I have a dog*
I have a dog
- Yes
- No
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Your safety measures
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If you suspect an intruder, think first of your own welfare and phone for help.
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It is important to have a means of contacting emergency services in a timely manner if there is an emergency taking place at your residence. That is why having a phone in the bedroom is highly recommended. If you suspect an intruder, think first of your own welfare and phone for help.
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Installing sensor or timed lighting creates an illusion that someone is home and may help deter intruders.
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It's common for thieves to enter through unlocked doors or windows. Even if you’re home or in your yard, an opportunistic thief may take the chance to enter, steal your car keys or other valuables, and exit, without you even realising. Always keeping your doors and windows secured makes it harder for thieves to break in.
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A noisy dog may deter would-be thieves as they won't wish to draw attention to themselves. Be aware that pet doors may offer opportunity for easy access to your home for thieves.

Which of the following measures do you take to secure your valuables?
Wallets, handbags, mobile devices and jewellery stored safely out of sight*
Wallets, handbags, mobile devices and jewellery stored safely out of sight
- Yes
- No
Computers, televisions and other electronics kept away from windows*
Computers, televisions and other electronics kept away from windows
- Yes
- No
Power tools, gardening equipment and ladders kept out of sight or in securely-locked shed or garage*
Power tools, gardening equipment and ladders kept out of sight or in securely-locked shed or garage
- Yes
- No
Do you store alcohol in an outside fridge?*
Do you store alcohol in an outside fridge?
- Yes
- No
Valuables photographed & serial numbers, makes and models recorded*
Valuables photographed & serial numbers, makes and models recorded
- Yes
- No
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Your valuables
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Make sure you have adequate contents insurance which can cover the loss of any valuables. Keep digital receipts or take a photo of hard copy receipts and store safely. Take photos of jewellery, antiques and other rare or highly valuable items.
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Make sure you have adequate contents insurance which can cover the loss of any valuables. Keep digital receipts or take a photo of hard copy receipts and store safely. Take photos of jewellery, antiques and other rare or highly valuable items. When you get home, avoid leaving wallets, handbags, smartphones and jewellery on island benches or near doors. These locations make it easy for thieves to quickly locate, grab and steal these items without being noticed.
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Keep your valuables out of sight. When leaving the home, draw your curtains and pull down your blinds to prevent unwanted guests looking in.
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Store your power tools, gardening equipment and ladders in a locked shed, or garage. If you don't have a shed or garage, keep these items out of sight. Don't provide opportunistic thieves with the means of easy access to your home.
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Consider locking any outdoor fridges that may contain alcohol.
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Consider installing the MyVault app to keep a digital record of your property. MyVault is a free and easy-to-use mobile application developed in consultation with NT Police and acts as a home asset register, making it easier than ever to store important information about your personal property.
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Keep a record of your valuables, including photos, receipts, plus their makes, models, serial numbers or other key details. If they are stolen, this record can be given to police and your insurer. Consider installing the MyVault app to keep a digital record of your property. MyVault is a free and easy-to-use mobile application developed in consultation with NT Police and acts as a home asset register, making it easier than ever to store important information about your personal property.

Which of the following security measures do you have around the entry to your property?
House number is clearly displayed (night & day)*
House number is clearly displayed (night & day)
- Yes
- No
Letterbox can be secured with a keyed lock or padlock*
Letterbox can be secured with a keyed lock or padlock
- Yes
- No
Motion sensor or timed lighting*
Motion sensor or timed lighting
- Yes
- No
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Entry to your property
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Your house number, ideally, should be around 20cm wide and located in a clear place so it can be easily seen from the street in the day time and illuminated so it can be seen at night. Having your number painted on your kerb is also a good idea. This will help emergency services find your house quickly if needed.
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Motion activated security lighting can create uncertainty for would-be intruders who may reconsider their activities as they may be seen.
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Protect your mail and deter would-be thieves by securing your letterbox with a quality lock. Thieves can use the personal information contained in bills, bank statements and paperwork to steal your identity.

Fences provide clear boundaries between public and private areas, helping to keep unauthorised people out and make spotting intruders much easier. Perimeter fencing provides the first level of security for residents against potential thieves.
Which of the following security measures do you have in place for your perimeter fencing?
- Front Fence is see-through or low enough to allow an unobstructed view of entries
- Fence is kept in good condition
- Front gate & or vehicle gate can be locked/bolted
- Bins, ladders and other climbable obstacles stored away from fences, in a secure area
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Your property fencing
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Maximise visibility to your home so that neighbours and passers-by can easily see any intruders. The possibility of being seen can deter potential offenders.
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Consider trimming back overgrown shrubs and trees around the front of your property to make entry points and sight lines clearer. Keeping your lawn maintained also gives the impression of occupancy.
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Lock your gates when not in use to add another layer of security.
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Make sure there is nothing kept next to or near boundary fences that thieves could use to climb. Keep ladders and wheelie bins inside a locked garage or shed, if possible.

Do you have any outdoor buildings such as sheds, a studio or granny flat?*
- Yes
- No
Which of these security measures do you have on your outdoor buildings?
- Building secured to ground
- Solid core door and frame
- Quality keyed lock
- Lockable door bolt
- Window or patio locks
- Motion detector lighting
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Your outdoor buildings
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If your outdoor buildings aren't properly secured it is recommended that you install keyed locks for added security.

Where do you park your car at home?
- Garage
- Behind a locked gate
- Carport
- Yard
- Driveway
- Naturestrip
- Street
TIP: The safest place for your car is inside a locked garage. If you don’t have a garage, keeping it parked in your driveway or carport, behind a locked gate, is your next safest option.
Does your home have an enclosed garage?*
- Yes
- No
What security measures do you have in place for your garage
- Garage door kept closed & locked when not in use
- Access door to home kept locked at all times
- Access door to home is a solid core door fitted with a deadbolt and heavy-duty strike plate
- Windows secured with patio locks and security screens/bars
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Your car
Your best defence against theft of your vehicle and property within is to keep it locked!

The safest place for your car is locked in your secured garage. If you don’t have a garage, lock your car and keep it parked in your driveway or carport, behind a locked gate, if possible.

When parking your car on the street or naturestrip, try to park your locked car under a working street light.

Avoid keeping valuables in your car.

Whenever you park your car, always close windows, remove valuables, lock the doors and keep the keys, fob or garage remote with you or inside your locked house.

If you store your garage remote in your car, it is recommended that you keep it out of sight.

Don't forget to lock the access door into your home from the garage. Often this door is hollow and has knob lock sets installed, offering poor security if thieves enter your garage. It is recommended that this door be a solid core door, fitted with deadbolts for added security.

If you would like a more detailed look into your vehicle’s security, check out our How Safe Is My Vehicle quiz.
Reporting crime or suspicious behaviour

No crime is too small to report. Your report about a crime or someone acting suspiciously may provide an important clue that leads to an arrest. Keep the following numbers handy, or store them into your phone, so you know who to report what to and when.

Emergency Triple Zero 000

Call if you need immediate fire, police or ambulance assistance – if a crime is happening now, if the suspect may still be in the area, if someone needs urgent medical help, if life or property is being threatened, or if you see flames.

Police Assistance Line 131 444

Call if you don't need police to attend straight way - to report non-urgent crimes or events, such as theft, property damage or lost property, or for general police enquiries. You can also report online at www.pfes.nt.gov.au/reportonline

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

Call to confidentially report information about crimes, or suspicious activity, vehicles or people that could help solve or prevent a crime. You can also report online at www.crimestoppersnt.com.au

Victims of Crime NT 1800 672 242

Victims of Crime NT (VoCNT) is a non-government agency that provides crisis support, information, advocacy, court support and referrals to other support services.

Neighbourhood Watch NT

Visit our website to learn more about Neighbourhood Watch, find out how you can get involved and get loads more tips and advice on how to protect yourself, your family, your home and your property, and get to know your neighbours better.

Visit our website to learn more about Neighbourhood Watch, find out how you can get involved and get loads more tips and advice on how to protect yourself, your family, your home and your property, and get to know your neighbours better.

Thank you!

Congratulations on completing the How Safe Is My Place? self-assessment.

To access your personal How Safe Is My Place? report, please complete the form below. We will also send you our top 3 simple tips to reduce your risk of property crime.

We value your security and privacy and do not store any of your personal information with your self-assessment responses. We ask for your postcode so we can send you relevant local crime prevention information.

We value your opinion and would love your feedback. Stay tuned for our email in the coming weeks.
First name*
Surname
Date of birth
DD slash MM slash YYYY
Suburb*
Postcode
Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Your best contact number*
*
- Yes I have read the terms and conditions of the How Safe Is My Place? self-assessment.
Would you like to share your report with Victims of Crime NT (VoCNT) who will contact you for a follow-up conversation to talk through your report and any security improvement options?*
- Yes, I would like a consultation call and give Victims of Crime NT (VoCNT) permission to store my report.
- No, thank you
You will be able to securely download your report from the next screen. A copy will also be sent via email, if it doesn't appear in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.
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Victims of Crime NT

1800 672 242

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How Safe Is My House Quiz

Let's begin

How safe is my place? NT Report

Your home

Your doors

Are your entry (external) doors fitted with the following security measures?

Which of your windows have the following security measures?

Your Windows

Which of these steps do you follow to secure your household keys?

Your keys

Your security systems

What safety measures do you already have in place at your home?

Your safety measures

Which of the following measures do you take to secure your valuables?

Your valuables

Which of the following security measures do you have around the entry to your property?

Entry to your property

Your property fencing

Your outdoor buildings

Your car

Reporting crime or suspicious behaviour

Emergency Triple Zero 000

Police Assistance Line 131 444

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

Victims of Crime NT 1800 672 242

Neighbourhood Watch NT

Thank you!

Victims of Crime NT

1800 672 242