Introduction
Home security isn’t one thing—it’s layers. A robust security strategy combines physical barriers, electronic systems, behavioral practices, and community awareness. At Garrison Alarms, we’ve worked with thousands of Auckland homes to implement comprehensive security. This checklist covers everything from basic physical measures to advanced technology, helping you evaluate your current security and identify gaps.
Section 1: Physical Barriers
1. Install Solid External Doors
What to do:
- Replace hollow-core doors with solid wood or metal doors
- Ensure doors open inward (frames resist outward force better)
- Install doors with minimal glass panels (glass can break)
Cost: $300–$600 per door
Why it matters: Most burglars enter through doors. Quality doors delay entry 5–15 minutes, often enough to deter opportunistic break-ins.
Status: ☐ Check
2. Install Quality Dead-Bolt Locks
What to do:
- Install Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts (NZ standard: AS 4473)
- Ensure deadbolts extend 1–1.5 inches into door frame
- Use heavy-duty strike plates with 3-inch screws (not 1-inch)
Cost: $150–$300 per lock
Why it matters: Quality deadbolts resist forced entry; poor locks fail within seconds of pressure.
Status: ☐ Check
3. Secure Window Locks
What to do:
- Install pin locks or key-operated locks on all operable windows
- Ensure latch mechanisms are robust
- Consider secondary locking on large windows
Cost: $50–$150 per window; $500–$1,000 for whole house
Why it matters: Many burglars enter via windows. Locks don’t prevent break-ins but delay them and may deter casual theft.
Status: ☐ Check
4. Install Window Security Film
What to do:
- Apply security film to ground-level windows
- Film holds glass together after breakage (prevents quick entry)
- Consider on glass doors, glass entry panels
Cost: $200–$400 per window; $1,000–$2,000 for typical house
Why it matters: Security film delays entry 3–5 minutes; burglars often move on to easier targets.
Status: ☐ Check
5. Maintain Clear Sightlines and Remove Hiding Spots
What to do:
- Trim hedges, bushes, trees to eliminate hiding spots
- Remove clutter from front and side yards
- Thin dense foliage near windows and doors
- Remove items that could be used to break in (ladders, etc.)
Cost: Free (some may need professional landscaping, $300–$500)
Why it matters: Visible exposure deters burglars; hiding spots enable reconnaissance and approach.
Status: ☐ Check
Section 2: Lighting
6. Install smart plugs or timers for interior lights
What to do:
- Install motion lights at all entry points
- Ensure lights cover entry doors, side gates, driveway
- Choose LED lights with 500+ lumens
- Test monthly to ensure functionality
Cost: $150–$300 per light; $500–$1,200 for typical house
Why it matters: Darkness enables burglary. Motion lights surprise intruders and alert residents/neighbors.
Status: ☐ Check
7. Set lights to turn on/off at varied times (simulate occupancy)
What to do:
- Install solar-powered or permanent driveway lights
- Ensure visibility of approach routes
- Consider lights on fence lines or property perimeter
Cost: $100–$300 per light; $500–$1,500 for typical property
Why it matters: Continuous lighting deters reconnaissance and prevents hiding during approach.
Status: ☐ Check
8. Use timers for multiple rooms
What to do:
- Install smart plugs or timers for interior lights
- Set lights to turn on/off at varied times (simulate occupancy)
- Use timers for multiple rooms
- Control via smartphone for flexibility
Cost: $30–$100 for smart plugs; $100–$300 to cover typical rooms
Why it matters: Occupied appearance deters burglars; empty dark homes are obvious targets.
Status: ☐ Check
Section 3: Electronic Systems
9. Install Professional Alarm System
What to do:
- Install quality alarm system from trusted brand (Paradox, DSC, Bosch, etc.)
- Include entry sensors on all doors
- Include motion detectors in main areas
- Ensure professional monitoring/24/7 response
- Arm system every time you leave home
Cost: $1,500–$3,500 installation + $20–$50/month monitoring
Why it matters: Alarms prevent 60–70% of attempted break-ins; monitored alarms trigger police response.
Status: ☐ Check
10. Install CCTV System (4+ Cameras)
What to do:
- Install 4–6 cameras covering entry points and perimeter
- Ensure clear night vision capability
- Use cloud backup for critical footage
- Review footage periodically
Cost: $3,500–$5,500 installation + optional $30–$100/month cloud backup
Why it matters: CCTV deters 40–50% of burglars; provides evidence for insurance and police if incident occurs.
Status: ☐ Check
11. Install Video Doorbell Camera
What to do:
- Install WiFi-enabled doorbell camera
- Ensure good WiFi signal at entry
- Configure motion alerts on smartphone
- Review footage of visitors/delivery persons
Cost: $150–$300 for quality model
Why it matters: Identifies visitors, documents packages, deters entry-point theft, alerts you to suspicious activity.
Status: ☐ Check
12. Install Smart Door/Window Sensors
What to do:
- Place wireless sensors on all doors
- Install on accessible windows
- Connect to alarm system or smart home hub
- Monitor via mobile app
Cost: $20–$50 per sensor; $200–$500 for typical house
Why it matters: Immediate alert if door/window opened when system armed; evidence of unauthorized access.
Status: ☐ Check
13. Install Smart Locks
What to do:
- Install keyless entry (PIN code) on main door
- Consider allowing specific guests temporary access via app
- Maintain backup physical key for emergencies
- Set up access logs (see who enters when)
Cost: $300–$600 per lock
Why it matters: Eliminates need for hidden keys; provides access control; creates entry audit trail.
Status: ☐ Check
14. Set Up Security System Monitoring and Alerts
What to do:
- Configure mobile app notifications for alarm triggers
- Set up email/SMS alerts for door openings
- Ensure 24/7 monitoring center contacts you on breach
- Establish emergency response plan with family
Cost: Included in alarm monitoring ($20–$50/month)
Why it matters: Real-time awareness of any security event; enables rapid response.
Status: ☐ Check
Section 4: Personal Security Practices
15. Lock All Doors and Windows When Away or Asleep
What to do:
- Make door/window locking a habit (morning/evening routine)
- Teach family members importance
- Check before leaving for work/vacation
- Don't assume doors auto-lock
Cost: Free
Why it matters: 20–30% of burglaries involve unlocked entry. Locked doors don’t stop determined burglars, but deter opportunistic theft.
Status: ☐ Check
16. Don't Advertise Valuables or Absences
What to do:
- Don't leave expensive items visible (laptops, cameras, equipment)
- Don't post vacation plans on social media
- Don't leave empty boxes on curb (signals new purchases)
- Use discretion when discussing valuables
- Don't advertise that you live alone or travel frequently
Cost: Free
Why it matters: Visible opportunity attracts burglars. Many burglaries target properties because items were known about in advance.
Status: ☐ Check
17. Establish Holiday Security Procedures
What to do:
- Put mail on hold or have neighbor collect it
- Arrange package delivery to secure location
- Ask trusted neighbor to check property
- Set interior lights on timers
- Keep house looking occupied
- Notify police if extended absence
- Don't advertise dates of absence
Cost: Free (or mail hold service free from NZ Post)
Why it matters: Holiday break-ins surge 25–35% above baseline. Specific precautions reduce risk significantly.
Status: ☐ Check
18. Secure Valuables and Documents
What to do:
- Install home safe for jewelry, documents, cash
- Keep safe bolted to floor
- Store important documents digitally (backup location)
- Use password-protected cloud storage for digital copies
- Consider safety deposit box for most critical items
Cost: $200–$500 for quality safe
Why it matters: Even if burglary occurs, valuables aren’t lost; documents are protected for insurance claims.
Status: ☐ Check
19. Know Your Neighbors
What to do:
- Develop relationships with nearby neighbors
- Exchange contact information
- Agree to watch each other's properties
- Share neighbor watch contact list
- Attend community meetings
Cost: Free
Why it matters: Neighbors notice suspicious activity; neighborhood watch deters criminal approach. Community awareness is powerful deterrent.
Status: ☐ Check
20. Vary Your Routine
What to do:
- Don't follow identical daily schedule
- Vary arrival/departure times when possible
- Take different routes occasionally
- Don't be predictable about when you're home/away
- Randomize when you park in garage
Cost: Free
Why it matters: Burglars scout properties to determine when residents are home. Unpredictability prevents pattern recognition.
Status: ☐ Check
Section 5: Home Automation & Technology
21. Install Home Automation System
What to do:
- Install smart home hub (Google, Apple, Alexa, etc.)
- Automate lights to turn on/off per routine
- Control door locks remotely
- Monitor security system from app
- Create "away mode" that triggers lights, locks, cameras
Cost: $300–$800 for basic hub + smart devices
Why it matters: Automation makes home appear occupied; enables remote monitoring; simplifies security management.
Status: ☐ Check
22. Back Up Security Footage to Cloud
What to do:
- Enable cloud backup on CCTV system
- Choose encrypted cloud provider
- Backup critical moments regularly
- Store in separate location from physical NVR
- Ensure cloud storage password-protected
Cost: $30–$100/month for quality cloud backup
Why it matters: If CCTV equipment stolen or damaged, footage preserved. Essential for evidence preservation.
Status: ☐ Check
23. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
What to do:
- Create strong passwords (12+ characters, mix letters/numbers/symbols)
- Use unique passwords for each account
- Enable two-factor authentication on all security systems
- Store passwords in secure password manager
- Never share passwords via email or text
Cost: Free (password managers $3–$10/month)
Why it matters: Weak passwords enable hacking of remote access; hackers could disable systems remotely.
Status: ☐ Check
Section 6: Home Maintenance and Care
24. Maintain Property Appearance
What to do:
- Keep lawn trimmed and yard maintained
- Repair broken windows, damaged siding quickly
- Maintain exterior paint and appearance
- Fix broken lights immediately
- Keep fences and gates in good repair
Cost: Varies; typically $100–$300/month maintenance
Why it matters: Well-maintained homes signal owner care and presence. Neglected homes appear abandoned and attract criminal attention.
Status: ☐ Check
25. Conduct Monthly Security Audit
What to do:
- Walk around property monthly
- Test all motion lights
- Check door/window locks
- Verify cameras are functioning
- Review security system logs
- Note any vulnerabilities or damage
- Plan improvements
Cost: Free
Why it matters: Problems identified early prevent security gaps. Regular audits catch failing equipment before incidents occur.
Status: ☐ Check
Prioritization Framework: What to Do First?
If you’re starting security from scratch, prioritize in this order:
Phase 1 (Do immediately): Foundation
- Install solid doors and quality deadbolts (prevents opportunistic entry)
- Trim visibility-blocking foliage (removes hiding spots)
- Install motion lights (deters approach)
- Establish routine lock/unlock habits (free deterrent)
Estimated cost: $500–$1,000 Security improvement: 40–50% reduction in risk
Phase 2 (Install within 3 months): Professional Systems
- Install professional alarm system with monitoring
- Install CCTV system (4 cameras minimum)
- Set up mobile alerts and monitoring
Estimated cost: $5,000–$7,000 Security improvement: Additional 30–40% risk reduction
Phase 3 (Advanced, install within 12 months): Enhancement
- Add video doorbell
- Install smart locks
- Implement home automation
- Set up cloud backup
Estimated cost: $2,000–$3,000 Security improvement: 10–15% additional benefit
FAQ: Home Security Checklist
Do I need ALL 25 items?
No. Most homes are well-protected with first 10 items (doors, lights, alarms, CCTV, basic practices). Additional items provide enhanced convenience and monitoring.
What's most important?
Professional alarm + CCTV combination provides maximum security benefit. Physical barriers (doors, locks) are foundation. Behavioral practices (locking up, not advertising) cost nothing but matter significantly.
How much should I spend on home security?
General advice: 1–2% of home value annually. For $500,000 home, $5,000–$10,000 initial investment + $300–$600/year in monitoring/maintenance is reasonable.
Can I DIY these items?
Some (doors, locks, lights). But alarm systems and CCTV require professional installation for optimal performance and warranty support. DIY often fails in Auckland’s coastal climate.
Should I install everything at once?
No. Phased approach (Phase 1 foundation, then Phase 2 professional systems, then Phase 3 enhancements) is cost-effective and allows time to understand each system.
How do I know if my home is adequately secured?
Garrison Alarms conducts free security audits. We walk your property, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend specific improvements for YOUR situation—not generic checklist.
Getting a Professional Security Audit
Rather than implementing items randomly, let Garrison Alarms assess your specific situation:
- Site assessment – Identify your property’s vulnerabilities
- Risk analysis – Determine appropriate security level for your area
- Customized recommendation – Prioritized improvements specific to your needs
- Itemized quote – Clear pricing for phased implementation
- Professional installation – Ensures systems work optimally
Internal Linking Notes
- "CCTV Installation Cost Auckland: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide" (system costs)
- "CCTV vs Alarm System: Which Is Better for Home Security?" (system selection)
- "Auckland Burglary Statistics 2025-2026: Which Suburbs Are Most at Risk?" (risk assessment)
- "Holiday Home Security Auckland: How to Protect Your Property While You're Away" (seasonal security)
- "Do Security Cameras Deter Burglars?" (deterrence effectiveness)
Summary
Comprehensive home security involves 25+ items across five categories: physical barriers, lighting, electronic systems, personal practices, and technology. Rather than implementing everything, focus on:
- Foundation (doors, locks, lights, habits)
- Professional systems (alarm + CCTV with monitoring)
- Advanced features (smart locks, automation, cloud backup)
Most Auckland homes reach adequate security with Phase 1 + Phase 2 items (~$6,000–$8,000 investment).
Regular monthly audits ensure systems remain effective and vulnerabilities are addressed quickly.
Get a free professional security audit—contact Garrison Alarms at 0800-427747.
About Garrison Alarms
Since 1989, Garrison Alarms has helped thousands of Auckland homes implement comprehensive security. We assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate improvements. Our COC-certified installers ensure professional installation with lasting support.
Last updated: February 2026