Home security on a budget in Australia?

Hey everyone,

I live in Australia, where we’re not allowed weapons like pepper spray or tasers for home defense. Police response times can also be slow, so I’m looking for budget-friendly deterrents to make my home less of a target.

Here’s what I’m considering:

  • Bright motion-sensor floodlights: I live in an area with a lot of wildlife, like turkeys. Will these trigger the lights too often? I don’t want to annoy my neighbors but want effective lighting.

  • CCTV or fake cameras with blinking lights: Even if someone wears a mask, cameras can still leave breadcrumbs.

  • Signs: I’ve already ordered CCTV and Guard Dog signs. My dog has an intimidating bark but isn’t much of a guard dog once seen.

I know these aren’t foolproof, but I’m open to suggestions for Amazon products or other renter-friendly solutions. Any advice is appreciated!

Lights are a great deterrent. Even if turkeys set them off, it’s better than having no lights at all. You could talk to your neighbors to make sure the lights don’t bother them.

Jefferson said:
Lights are a great deterrent. Even if turkeys set them off, it’s better than having no lights at all. You could talk to your neighbors to make sure the lights don’t bother them.

That’s a good idea. I’ll check with them to see if the lights cause any issues. Thanks for the suggestion!

Do you have an alarm system? It might be worth looking into one if it’s allowed in your rental.

Erik said:
Do you have an alarm system? It might be worth looking into one if it’s allowed in your rental.

I don’t currently have one. It’s a rental, but we have a good relationship with the owners. I might ask if they’d be okay with it.

Do you play cricket or field hockey? Keeping a sports bat handy could double as a tool for self-defense.

HomeGaurd101 said:
Do you play cricket or field hockey? Keeping a sports bat handy could double as a tool for self-defense.

I used to play cricket, but I rely more on my fitness than objects. Still, I see your point—good suggestion!

Motion-sensor lights are hit or miss. Criminals sometimes use them as free lighting. Instead, consider general area illumination to make your home look less appealing as a target. A good, blinding flashlight can also be helpful in emergencies.

@Braint
I like the idea of a flashlight. I have a head torch for camping, but I’m not sure how effective it would be. Maybe I’ll test it out.