Easter eggs and two-up in the same week? You better believe it!

In 2025, Easter and Anzac Day are joining forces in one super calendar combo – and Aussies are jumping at the chance for a super-sized April break that could also leave their homes vulnerable to unwelcome intruders.

According to new NRMA research, one in four Aussies plan to take three extra days off between Easter Monday and Anzac Day to enjoy a super April break[i].

But before you head off for some April R&R, remember the old saying: while the cat’s away, the mice will play. There’s no specific data on Easter home burglaries, the ABS reports that 2.1% of households (217,600) experienced a break-in in 2023/24, while 2.1% (226,300) experienced an attempted break-in[ii].

So, with the super break fast approaching, here are some handy tips to ensure the Easter Bunny is the only shadowy guest hopping into your home this April holiday season.

Take steps now to lock the intruders out

Check your home security well before you pack the car for your holiday getaway—don’t leave it to the last minute. Take the time now to check for faulty or loose locks on doors and windows. Make sure windows can’t be easily jimmied open by burglars, confirm you have the right keys to for all locks.

If a lock or bolt looks faulty, replace it immediately. If your home has sliding doors or windows, a simple metal or wooden rod wedged in the cavity can prevent them from being opened from the outside.

Before you hit the road for your Easter getaway, do a quick home security hop around the property. Check that all your windows and doors are locked tight, and don’t forget the sheds, garage doors, and those sneaky side gates. It might seem like a no-brainer, but Crime Stoppers SA says leaving doors and windows unlocked is still the leading way burglars are hopping into Aussie homes[iii]. Also, check that the garden shed is secured to stop thieves from using your tools to break into your property.

Consider smart technologies

Choosing a home security system can be as straightforward or high-tech as you like—it’s all about what works for you. The rapid advance in smart technology means it’s now possible to purchase wireless cameras from your local electronics store or online for less than $20 from the likes of Temu[iv] and monitor your home remotely and in real-time from an app on your iPhone or Android device.

You can even set up a motion sensor that sends instant alerts to your smartphone if something’s up at home. Better yet, connect it to smart light bulbs or a smart switch, and your lights will flick on automatically when movement is detected. Also, don’t forget to lock your power box, too.

Give spare keys to friends or family

Last year, a Finder survey revealed that 31% of Australians—equivalent to almost 2.8 million households—had stashed a spare key around the house[v]. The research found that 3%—278,000 households—place a key in the switch box, while the same proportion conceal it under a pot plant (3%) or buried in the garden (3%). A further 1% hide a spare key in the letterbox or under the front door mat (1%).

The problem is that thieves are wise to all the usual hiding spots. So, before you hop off on your Easter escape, play it safe and leave the spare keys with someone you trust.

Creating the impression that someone is at home

Making your property look as lived-in as possible can help deter Easter intruders. We’ve mentioned sensor lights, but it’s also worth using a timer to switch on your lights, a radio, or the TV regularly throughout the day. If you’ve got a Google Home device, you can even program it to play music consistently to help ward off the baddies.

Old-school tricks can also make your home look lived-in. Keep blinds or curtains in their usual spots, hang a few old clothes on the line, and leave a pair of shoes by the front door—these little details can make all the difference. Ask a neighbour to collect your mail and newspapers and wheel the bins out on collection day.

Opt for a house- or pet-sitter

If your furry friends aren’t joining you on holiday, why not ask a trusted friend or family member to house-sit? Not only will your pet get plenty of attention but having someone stay in your home is one of the best ways to deter thieves. Better still, your house-sitter can also collect the mail, grab the papers, and wheel the bins out to send a message that someone’s home. That’s peace of mind sorted, so you can focus on chocolate eggs and scoring big in two-up.

For more tips on keeping your property safe this Easter or for an obligation free appraisal, contact your local Raine & Horne agent.

[i] https://www.mynrma.com.au/about/media/press-releases/2025/super-break-over-easter-anzac-holiday

[ii] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/crime-victimisation/latest-release

[iii] https://crimestopperssa.com.au/media-releases/easter-home-safety-tips/

[iv] https://www.temu.com

[v] https://www.finder.com.au/news/aussies-hide-a-spare-house-key-2024

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