In the Land Down Under, where the sun shines bright and the beaches beckon, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of security.

But according to a security expert, this laid-back attitude could be putting millions of Australians at risk.

The Nepean Regional Security director has sounded the alarm on a common mistake that many of us are guilty of.


During a recent appearance on Sunrise, Gina Field shared a startling statistic that should have us all double-checking our locks:

'About 5,500 Aussies per minute are forgetting to lock up.'

That's a staggering number of homes and cars left vulnerable every single minute of the day.


'It really seems like we’re not getting the memo here,' Field expressed to hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington.

Field's advice is simple yet crucial: 'Just go back and check those door handles and make sure your door’s locked.'

It's a small action that can make a significant difference in protecting your home and loved ones.


But the issue doesn't stop at physical locks. Field also delved into digital security, highlighting the dangers of unprotected Wi-Fi and the use of simple, easily guessable passwords.

With about five million Australians using unsecured Wi-Fi networks and many reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts, we're also inviting trouble into our virtual homes.

Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to access personal information and even security camera feeds.

And let's not forget the role social media plays in compromising our safety.

Field warns against oversharing online, particularly regarding real-time updates about our whereabouts.

'Criminals will know that we’re actually not home,' she cautioned, advising against posting holiday snaps or check-ins at local hotspots while you're still out and about.


When it comes to deterring would-be thieves, Field recommends using security surveillance signs but advises against advertising the brand of your security system.

This could give tech-savvy criminals the information they need to bypass your defences.

Take a moment to reflect on your security practices. Does your home display any security signage that could inadvertently aid a burglar?

Let's all heed Gina Field's expert advice and make small changes that can significantly impact our safety.

After all, peace of mind is priceless, and a secure home is a happy home.

In other news, a Toowoomba home was ransacked during the holiday season despite security measures, highlighting a surge in break-ins.

Data showed over 185,000 households were targeted in 2022-23, with theft claims spiking 40 per cent in the summer. You can read more about it here.
Are your doors and windows locked? Is your Wi-Fi protected with a strong, unique password? Have you been sharing too much on social media? Share your thoughts and any additional security tips in the comments below.