Safe Gates and Safe Neighbourhoods

Safe Gates and Safe Neighbourhoods Safe Gates

REPORT 2023

The 2023 Safe Gates Report reveals the important role neighbours play in creating safer communities.

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SAFE GATES SAVE LIVES

Check your gate…

BECAUSE EVERYTHING CHERISHED LIES BEHIND IT

• People • Pets • Property

Safe Gates

REPORT 2023

Tips for enhanced safety in your neighbourhood

1

Regular neighbourly check-ins

Introduce yourself and family.

Daily interactions like greetings or quick chats will lay the foundation for mutual trust.

2

Annual home security checks

Conduct a full security check on your home at least once a year.

3

Upgrade your gate

Gates are the first line of defence, check it is functioning with secure locks and self-closing hinges.

4

Community activities

Organise neighbourhood events to boost camaraderie and collective safety awareness.

5

Open communication

Encourage dialogue about safety concerns and share resources or tips openly.

6

Empathy and understanding

Embrace diverse perspectives to form a unified, empathetic community front.

7

Share contact details

Provide your neighbours with your contact details and let them know if you are going away.

8

Support systems

Promote neighbourhood support groups for safety initiatives. Point out trusted, safe houses to your children if they need help.

Prioritising security around your home and beyond The findings from the Safe Gates Report provide a clear call for homeowners and communities at large. Strengthening security infrastructures, promoting regular checks, and fostering neighbourly bonds are all crucial steps towards creating safer, more interconnected neighbourhoods.

43%

of those surveyed are worried about potential burglaries

39%

said improving safety was the primary reason for fostering neighbour relationships

Safe Gates Ambassador, Ben Hannant, commented on the report believing safety needed to extend beyond just the confines of your home.

“It saddened me to know 38% of people said they would not intervene if they witnessed suspicious activity in their neighbourhood. I’ve got all my neighbours phone numbers and they have mine just in case something happens but only 60% of Australian have that assurance.”

The Report further divulged that 20% of individuals have faced a security breach at their properties, yet a staggering 62% did not feel the need to enhance their security measures even after such incidents.

Security isn’t just about gates and locks. It’s deeply tied to community trust and relationships. A well-connected neighbourhood doesn’t just deter potential threats but also creates an environment where everyone feels safe and looked after.

Ben Hannant, Safe Gates Ambassador

Turning awareness into action While the Safe Gates Report has highlighted the link between security and community trust, there’s work to be done to translate this awareness into action.

Surprisingly, only 50% of communities utilise social platforms to keep neighbours informed about local events or concerns.

When asked about participation in programmes like Neighbourhood Watch, only 39.1% responded affirmatively, while 37.5% remained unsure. Our goal is to change this. By fostering open dialogue, regular contact, and mutual support among neighbours, we can make our neighbourhoods safer, one step at a time.

64%

said knowing their neighbours makes them feel safer

Click here to download our FREE cards and start connecting with your neighbours today!

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Neighbourhood connection, is more than just about security

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Amber Rules, founder of Rough Patch Counselling, talks about the importance of relationships in our local communities.

“We all yearn for that sense of belonging in our neighbourhoods,” Rules said. “It’s a two-way street. The more we invest in building relationships, the safer and more interconnected we become. When accidents or mishaps happen, having a reliable neighbour can be just as vital as any security system.”

Amber also stressed the benefits of strengthening bonds with neighbours. “Socialising and getting to know your neighbours isn’t just about security - it’s about community.

Regular interactions create a web of trust. Not only can neighbour’s keep an eye out for each other’s property, but they can also serve as emotional and social pillars in times of need.”

Your gate, your responsibility To truly foster safer communities, we must start within our homes. A gate with a lockable latch and self-closing hinges is not merely an entry point; it’s your first line of defence.

A properly maintained gate system ensures that everything and everyone you hold dear remains safe and sound.

Checklist for a safe gate ✔

Secure fixing points – check for any loose screws or weakness caused by corrosion.

✔

Hinge Binding - Look for signs and replace if necessary.

✔

Appropriate hardware - Accelerated wear or excess play are potential signs that the hinge is undersized for the desired application or weight of the gate.

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Effective operation - age, corrosion, missing parts, or jamming can inhibit the function of a lockable gate latch. Replace or fix gate hardware. Consider replacing with quality, polymer gate hardware that is resistant to rust and binding.

✔

Gate integrity - Check if the gate has moved due to factors like ground movement. Gate hardware with integrated adjustability, ensure gates work reliably and safely at all times.

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Environmental factors - coastal areas, excessive dust, snow and high winds can effect the ability of a properly closing gate. Maintain regular washing down with water and adjust closing speed of the hinge tension. Replace with new if necessary.

✔

Compliance - If the gate is specified for safety (e.g. pool) or security applications, ensure regular checks with local authorities on updates.

Find the best security for your gate

MagnaLatch® S3 ML3TPLA

MagnaLatch® Side Pull Lockable MLSPS2L

LokkLatch® REGULAR LLAAB

LokkLatch® PLUS LL3PWD

LokkLatch® DELUXE LLD3L

LokkLatch® MAGNETIC LLMLDBT

MagnaLatch® S3 ML3VPLA

MagnaLatch® Side Pull Non-lockable MLSPS2

For further information about the best latch or hinges for your gate visit our website

For more information about the report visit www.safegates.com.au

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