With winter behind us and a roadmap out of lockdown announced, now is an ideal time to be thinking about the safety and security of your home and neighbourhood.

RACV and safety organisation Neighbourhood Watch have taken some of the guesswork out of home security by developing the How Safe is My Place tool. The new tool helps determine how safe your home is from burglary and what you can do to improve overall security.

The tool comes in the form of a free online quiz that asks a series of questions so you can assess how safe you are. The questions highlight ways of improving safety, and you will also have a report emailed to you at the end of the quiz.

The data is used by Neighbourhood Watch to identify communities where they can assist neighbours to work together and encourage people to get involved by starting up a new group or joining one that already exists.

Neighbourhood Watch and RACV aim to encourage people to get involved in grassroots activities that foster safety at home and in the community, whether that’s for people that have recently moved to new housing estates or those in established areas.

Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon said the more people know their neighbours and get involved, the safer they feel.

“The tool gets you thinking about your current home security and what you can do to protect your home in terms of practical advice and tips,” Ms Gordon said.

“In addition to using the How Safe is My Place tool, introducing yourself to neighbours and exchanging contact details, joining or establishing a Neighbourhood Watch group and securing your property to prevent opportunistic crimes can all make a significant difference.”

Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer organiser for Williams Landing, Abi Bellamkonda, said that they’ve successfully transformed their neighbourhood into a friendly and safer area since establishing the group and working together with his neighbours.

“Having a group of us working together and in constant communication means we can get things done that otherwise couldn’t be fixed as an individual. We also work with Victoria Police, the local council and the estate developers to make sure we are doing the right things to help people feel safe,” Mr Bellamkonda said. 

“By communicating with each other, and educating or sharing ideas, any issues are getting solved quickly, and for good.”

To take the quiz and use the tool, please visit howsafeismyplace.com.au.