Most break-ins aren't elaborate heists. They're quick decisions made by someone who's spotted an easy opportunity. And over the summer holidays, when thousands of Australian families pack up the car and head off, those opportunities are everywhere. The latest property crime statistics in Australia show just how common it is.

The best way to protect your home is to see it the way an opportunist does. So let's take a walk, starting from the footpath.

Stop 1: The view from the street

A burglar's first look takes just a few seconds. They're asking one question: is anyone home?

The clues are often small. The bins are still out three days after collection. The grass is getting long. Flyers are stacked in the letterbox and a parcel is fading in the sun on the porch. Each one alone means little, but together they tell a story.

What to do: Before you leave, mow the lawn and ask a neighbour to handle bin night and the letterbox. Australia Post can hold your mail while you're away. A video doorbell like the EZVIZ EP3X Pro lets you see the moment a courier drops something off, so you can message a neighbour to grab it before anyone else does.

Stop 2: The driveway and front entry

Next, they'll look at how easy it is to get close without being noticed. An empty driveway, a dark porch and overgrown hedges beside the front door are all welcome signs.

What to do: Trim back shrubs near doors and windows to get rid of hiding spots. Install sensor lighting over the entry and driveway, or go one better with a floodlight camera that lights up and starts recording the second someone steps onto your property. If a family member can park in your driveway occasionally, even better. If your car stays home, here are 7 smart ways to stop thieves targeting your garage.

Stop 3: Your online footprint

Not every burglar watches your street. Some simply scroll. A public post saying "Two weeks in Japan, see you soon!" combined with a tagged location or a recognisable photo of your house is all someone needs.

What to do: Switch off location sharing, check your privacy settings and hold off on posting holiday snaps until you're home. While you're at it, make sure your cameras are protected too with these tips to hacker-proof your home security cameras.

Stop 4: The evening test

Some thieves come back after dark. A house that stays pitch black night after night, with no lamp, no TV glow and no movement behind the curtains, is a big tell.

What to do: Plug a couple of lamps into timers, or use smart plugs you can control from your phone, so lights switch on and off at realistic times. Mixing up the times helps. A radio tuned to a talk station adds the sound of someone being home. For clear footage after dark, check out our night vision cameras guide.

Stop 5: The sides and back of the house

Once a burglar decides to go ahead, they rarely use the front door. Side gates, back sliding doors, laundry windows and the internal door from the garage are favourite entry points because nobody can see them from the street.

What to do: Lock everything, including sheds, side gates and the garage-to-house door. Then make sure your outdoor security cameras cover the sides and back of the property, not just the front. Not sure where to put them? Read where to place security cameras and how many security cameras you actually need. A camera nobody can see from the street won't put anyone off, but it will capture clear evidence if something goes wrong.

Stop 6: The deterrent check

This is often where the decision gets made. Can they see cameras? Is there a doorbell that might be watching? Does a light snap on when they move? If the answer is yes, most opportunists simply move on to an easier target. Adding an alarm system raises the stakes even further.

What to do: Choose visible, quality cameras that show your home is protected:

• Battery cameras like the EZVIZ CB3 install in minutes without an electrician, which is perfect if you're leaving soon. Weighing it up? See wireless security cameras: pros and cons
• 4G cameras like the EZVIZ EB3 4G run on a SIM card, so they're ideal for holiday homes, farms or anywhere without reliable Wi-Fi
• Wired CCTV kits from Hikvision, Dahua or HiLook record 24/7 to an NVR, keeping your footage safe on site
• Video doorbells and intercoms like the EZVIZ EP7 let you answer the door from anywhere, so callers think you're just inside

Before you lock the door

Run through this quick list on the morning you leave:

• All doors, windows, gates, sheds and the garage are locked, or upgrade to smart locks you can check from your phone
• Cameras are online and phone alerts are switched on
• Footage is saving to an SD card, NVR or cloud storage
• Timers and smart plugs are set for evening lights
• A trusted neighbour has your contact details and knows your travel dates
• You've told your local police you'll be away, where your state offers this, such as Victoria Police's absence-from-residence form

For ongoing peace of mind, keep our monthly security system checklist handy.

Your questions, answered

Will a camera actually stop a break-in?
Visible cameras are one of the strongest deterrents available. Burglars want low risk, and being recorded raises that risk a lot. Learn more in 5 secrets burglars don't want you to know.

Can I check my home from overseas?
Yes. Most cameras and NVR systems we stock come with free apps for live viewing, playback and instant motion alerts from anywhere with internet. Here's how to set up the Hik-Connect app.

Do I need a professional installer?
Not always. Battery and Wi-Fi cameras are designed for DIY setup. For larger wired systems, a licensed installer is recommended, and our team can help you plan what you need. Our guide to choosing a home security system is a great place to start.

Is it legal to put cameras around my home?
Generally yes, but there are rules about recording neighbours and audio. Read is it legal to install CCTV cameras in my home?

What happens if someone steals the camera?
With an NVR or cloud storage, your footage is saved off the camera itself, so the evidence stays safe.

Make your home the one they skip

You can't stop opportunists from walking past your street, but you can make sure your home isn't the one that catches their eye. A few smart habits paired with the right gear go a long way.

Secure On Australia stocks trusted security brands including Hikvision, Dahua, EZVIZ and HiLook, from plug-and-play battery cameras to complete wired CCTV systems. Shop our top security cameras, video doorbells and security kits now and get set up before your getaway. Not sure where to start? Get in touch with our Aussie team for practical advice tailored to your home.

Sources and helpful resources

• Australia Post - mail hold and redirection services
• Victoria Police - absence from residence registration and home safety advice
• eSafety Commissioner - managing privacy and location settings on social media