SafeHome, Canberra’s property crime prevention program, celebrates 18 years this week. It has helped vulnerable Canberrans after break-ins, thefts, or burglaries.

“By improving physical security, the program helps to make people feel safer in their community and better recover from the impacts of previous crime,” Victims of Crime Commissioner Margie Rowe said.

SafeHome began as an awareness campaign in 2008. It is now a research-guided, ACT Government-funded service, delivered by SupportLink.

Since July 2020, SafeHome has conducted more than 1,000 tailored home safety assessments. It also provides minor modifications to homes such as locks and signs.

A 2021 ANU evaluation found that only 1.9 per cent of clients were burgled again, compared to an ACT average of 3.1 per cent.

SafeHome is available to recent victims of crime (including both family and domestic violence and property crime), older residents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability.

“Our assessments are about more than just addressing weak points in home security,” SafeHome coordinator Mel Thompson said. “Often what is most needed in the immediate term is emotional support, listening to residents’ concerns, and referring them to other services to recover from the trauma of crime.”

One resident, recovering from domestic violence, described the impact of a break-in as “devastating”, but the SafeHome visit helped her feel “far more in control”, and sparked an action plan for recovery.

“The SafeHome program is about restoring a sense of safety and control for our most vulnerable groups,” Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, minister for police, fire and emergency services, said. “The program doesn’t just improve home security; it helps people feel safe again in their own homes, which is fundamental to wellbeing.”

Referrals are accepted from ACT Policing and community sector agencies, or people can refer themselves.

For more information, contact the SafeHome team at SupportLink on 1300 656 200 or [email protected].