Keeping thieves out is the name of the game—a message you’ll hear again and again from locksmiths, security experts, and even long-time residents of Australia.

Understanding what robbery is under Australian law

“Burglary occurs when someone enters a building or other enclosed space such as a house, a shop, a warehouse without permission of the owner with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft, but it also can involve other crimes like vandalism or assault,” Mr Cao says.

Theft involves taking someone else’s property without their consent and without using force. Source: iStockphoto / Михаил Руденко/Getty Images/iStockphoto

“That is just opportunistic.”

“We are all very scared being at home alone. So, we always make sure that more than one person is there at home. We lock our bedrooms in the night when we sleep. Because if we were home at that time, we don’t know whether we would have been attacked.”

The force you use to defend yourself from thieves must be proportionate to the threat. Credit: Flying Colours Ltd/Getty Images

Self-defence

Mr Cao advises that if you find your home or business being invaded, stay out of it and call the police on triple zero (000) straight away.

Support for victims of crime

“Victims can’t claim compensation for items stolen. Compensation is generally for violent offences where a person has suffered some physical or psychological harm as a result of that violent event,” she adds.

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria is a community-led crime prevention organisation, and similar groups exist nationwide.

Staying Safe

Contact the relevant organisation below for more information about victim’s rights in your state or territory.