Time to put a padlock on your rubbish bin: Thieves are rummaging through garbage hoping to find credit card statements and other revealing documents
- Each year, more than 230,000 Australian homes are burgled at least once
- The bin is an overlooked items in security and contains identifying information
- The CEO of Secure Your World said there are simple steps to secure your bins
Your outside garbage bin could be an invitation for thieves looking to steal your identity, an expert has warned.
Each year, more than 230,000 Australian homes are burgled at least once – and rubbish bins are becoming key targets for thieves looking to use old credit card statements and personal documents to steal victims’ identities.
Scott Cairns, CEO of security company Secure Your World, said the garbage bin is one of the most overlooked items when it comes to keeping yourself safe from break-ins and identity theft.
Your outside garbage bin could be an invitation for thieves looking to steal your identity, an expert has warned
‘Most people don’t give the garbage bin a second thought, but it is probably one of the most important elements of a home security plan,’ he said.
‘Given the increased focus on recycling, many households now have several large garbage bins.
‘These are often stored near the front of the home. Unfortunately, these are also considered beacons of opportunity for thieves.’
Mr Cairns also offered some tips for keeping your home and identity safe, including keeping your bins tucked away near the side of the house.
‘This reduces the opportunity for thieves to go through your rubbish bins looking for items such as credit card statements or other paperwork that identifies who you are,’ he explained.
‘Lock your garbage bins up in a secure area – if you have an area where you can keep the garbage bins locked away this is ideal.
Each year, more than 230,000 Australian homes are burgled at least once – and rubbish bins are becoming key targets for thieves looking to use old credit card statements and personal documents to steal victims’ identities
‘Never leave packaging for new purchases near or hanging out of your garbage bin. This tells thieves you have new items worth stealing in your home.
‘Put your rubbish bins out for collection on the day they are collected and put them back into the yard as soon as they are emptied. Leaving your bins out tells thieves that you are not home.’
In 2015, Australia had the fifth highest rate of burglaries in the world, but Mr Cairns said there are some simple steps you can take to secure your revealing documents.
‘By being more vigilant with your garbage bins, you can help minimise the threat of a break-in,’ he explained.
He also added that 30 per cent of break-ins are unsuccessful because they’re interrupted by a home security system.