January in Canberra is meant to feel easy. The sun is out, the calendar is lighter, and for many families it’s the one time of year they finally get to leave town.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth.
January is also when a lot of Canberra homes become quiet, predictable, and easier to target.
At Night and Day Locksmiths, we’ve been helping Canberra homeowners protect their properties since 1979, and we see the same pattern every year. Break-ins do not always happen because a home is “unsafe”. They happen because the home looks unwatched.
If you’re heading away in January, even just for a long weekend, this guide will show you the simple lock and security upgrades that can help stop break-ins before they happen.
Why January Is Canberra’s “Quiet House” Season (And Why That Matters)
Canberra in January has a very specific rhythm.
People travel interstate. Families go camping or head to the coast. Students are away. Offices are quiet. Whole neighbourhoods can feel empty.
That quiet house effect matters because burglars do not want drama. They do not want to fight a lock. They do not want to deal with someone unexpectedly home.
They want an easy win.
And the homes that get targeted most often are not the ones with the fanciest stuff. They are the ones that look like no one is around.
A locked door is good. A door that looks properly secured is better.
The #1 Security Mistake Most People Make Before a Weekend Away
The biggest mistake people make is locking the door and assuming that means the home is secure.
A lot of Canberra homes have locks that still work but are loose, worn internally, or easy to force. Sometimes the lock is fine, but the door frame or strike plate is weak. Sometimes the door does not align properly, so the lock does not fully engage.
It is like leaving town with a car that starts, but the brakes are almost gone.
Before you leave, do a quick test:
Does your deadbolt feel solid when you turn it? Does the door move when it is locked? Are the screws in the strike plate strong and secure? Do sliding doors lift or rattle?
If anything feels weak, do not ignore it. January break-ins happen fast, and many are preventable with small fixes.
Upgrade Your Deadbolt: The Small Change That Makes a Big Difference
If you do one thing before leaving Canberra in January, upgrade your deadbolt.
A quality deadbolt makes a huge difference because it adds real resistance against forced entry and stops quick “push and pop” attempts. It also makes the door feel solid and secure, and it sends a clear visual signal that your home is not an easy target.
Even if you already have a deadbolt, many older ones are not up to modern standards, especially if they have been installed for ten years or more.
A locksmith can check the door alignment, install the right lock for your door type, and reinforce the hardware properly. That last part matters more than most people realise.
Sliding Doors: Canberra’s Most Common Weak Point (And How to Fix It Fast)
Sliding doors are one of the most common weak points in Canberra homes.
They are convenient, but they are also often poorly latched, easy to lift, fitted with worn rollers, or secured with basic factory locks that do not stop forced entry.
A quick fix many people try is putting a stick in the track. It helps, but it is not a complete security solution on its own.
A better approach is adding proper sliding door locks, installing anti-lift devices, reinforcing the door frame, and checking the alignment so the lock actually engages properly.
This is one of the fastest upgrades a locksmith can do before you travel, and it is one of the most effective.
Don’t Hide a Spare Key – Burglars Know Every Trick
If you hide a spare key outside, it is not hidden.
Burglars know exactly where people put keys because it has not changed in decades.
They check under the doormat, in pot plants, inside the letterbox, on top of the door frame, under a brick, in the barbecue area, and in the meter box.
Even if you think your spot is clever, it is usually one of the first places someone checks.
If you need access for a neighbour or family member while you are away, a safer option is a smart lock with a temporary code, a properly installed lockbox, or rekeying your locks so only approved keys work.
Spare keys are one of the most common reasons break-ins look “clean” with no damage.
Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks: What Actually Works for Canberra Homes
Smart locks are becoming more popular across Canberra, especially for Airbnb properties, rentals, family homes with kids, and people who travel often.
Do smart locks actually make a home more secure?
The honest answer is it depends on the lock and the installation.
A good smart lock can improve security because you can lock up remotely, give temporary access codes, remove access instantly, and track entry events.
But a cheap smart lock installed on a weak door still leaves you exposed.
Traditional locks, especially quality deadbolts and restricted key systems, remain one of the strongest physical security options.
For many Canberra homes, the best solution is a strong mechanical lock setup with smart access added where it makes sense.
If you are unsure what is right for your property, a locksmith can recommend a setup based on your door type, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Should You Rekey or Replace Your Locks Before You Travel?
This is one of the most common questions we get before holiday season.
Rekeying is best when your locks are in good condition but you want to change who has access. It is also ideal if you have lost a key, moved in recently, or want one key to work across multiple doors.
Replacing is best when your locks are worn, loose, sticking, or outdated. It is also the right choice if you want to upgrade to a better lock type or move to a more modern security system.
If you are travelling in January, rekeying is often one of the quickest and most cost-effective upgrades you can do for peace of mind.
It also removes that nagging thought while you are away: who still has a key to our place?
When to Call a Locksmith Before You Leave (Not After You Get Back)
Most people only call a locksmith after something goes wrong.
January is the time to call before you leave, especially if your deadbolt feels loose, your door does not close cleanly, your sliding door can be lifted, your key sticks in the lock, or you have had keys go missing in the past year.
It is also smart to call if you recently moved in and never rekeyed, or if you want to upgrade locks quickly before travelling.
Night and Day Locksmiths provides true 24/7 locksmith services across Canberra and surrounding areas. We are fully licensed and backed by more than 35 years of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and automotive locksmithing.
We can help you rekey locks, upgrade deadbolts, secure sliding doors, install quality lock hardware, and provide honest advice based on your home’s layout and security risks.
Most importantly, we help you leave town feeling confident, not anxious.
Your holiday should feel like a break.
If you would like a quick inspection, lock upgrade, or rekey before you travel, call Night and Day Locksmiths on 02 6290 1938 or enquire online for an obligation-free quote.
