ADT Security observe that as metropolitan populations expand and more people fill inner-city apartment blocks, it is surprising that people do not know their neighbours; but with longer working hours and privacy concerns playing their part, many people do not know their next-door neighbours.
According to Robert Cummins, Deakin University and author of The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, community connection has a large impact on how people feel about their lives. When people do not know the neighbours living around them, they do not feel as safe.
The Index found that people who live in regions with relatively small populations have a greater sense of belonging and safety, two factors which contribute significantly to their wellbeing.
According to Mark Norton, General Manager, ADT Security, in some of Australia’s biggest cities, friendly gestures such as smiling at a neighbour or greeting the postman are becoming rarities. With so much crime regularly reported in the media, many people fear and mistrust others living in their own neighbourhoods.
Yet with police crime strategists anticipating home burglary rates to rise as a result of the economic down turn 1 and the Australian Institute of Criminology recognising a relationship between unemployment and home burglary incidence 2, it is important that homeowners maintain good relationships with neighbours.
Good relationship with neighbours helps in building a sense of community at a time when many people, particularly the vulnerable and the elderly, feel lonely and isolated. Vigilant neighbours can significantly reduce the risk of a home being burgled when home owners are away.
Currently there are a number of community initiatives including Neighbourhood Watch, Know Your Neighbour Week and Neighbour Day designed to assist Australians in improving their relationship with the people next door.
ADT Security have compiled the following tips for homeowners to make their neighbourhoods more secure.
- Home owners should introduce themselves to their neighbours and make a special effort to introduce themselves to older residents in their street and anyone who lives alone.
- Organise a street party to get to know the neighbours.
- For those living in an apartment block, organise a barbecue on the common area; use the foyer message board to spread the word about social activities and attend building meetings to meet other residents.
- Coordinate a street garage sale, invite neighbours to contribute goods.
- Join the children in walking to school or catch the bus; these are good ways to meet other local families.
- Advise the neighbours on what steps to take if they hear a home alarm sounding and exchange phone numbers for use in an emergency.
- If a neighbour’s garbage bins are out long after the rubbish collection time, move them to a less conspicuous place so it does not advertise to passers-by that they are not at home.
While having good neighbours can enhance feelings of safety, ADT Security remind homeowners that there is no substitute for locking up, installing an alarm and taking other security measures.