Matt Sherman upgraded the security features in his new home after a break-in at his previous home. Picture: Liam Kidston
Brisbane homeowner Matt Sherman is taking home security seriously after being handed $18,000 in fines racked up by car thieves who broke into his previous property.
Mr Sherman and his family had only been living in their Kedron Brook rental for four days when thieves stole two cars from the home.
“Cameras that were supposed to be part of the lease were taken down by complete accident,” he said.
“(The thieves) entered the house while we were asleep and stole two of our three cars.”
Mr Sherman said the thieves had the cars for less than two weeks and managed to accrue $18,000 in fines.
“SPER (the Queensland State Penalties Enforcement Registry) was chasing me and though I gave them the police report, the police computers weren’t talking to the SPER computers.
“I was the one being treated like I was the criminal.”
The Sherman family home now has several layers of home security. Picture: Liam Kidston
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After the theft and the stress of dealing with a break-in, stolen cars, car recovery and fines, Mr Sherman ensured the family’s new home in Hendra had multiple layers of security from the get go.
“We bought off a developer and we chose a home where we could definitely add more security features,” he said.
“We actually have a relationship with a security company, Active Security, because we know they can come out and make our home safe.”
Mr Sherman said the new home’s security features included Crimsafe screens and security cameras that record to a central hub.
Matt Sherman added a security camera system to his new home. Picture: Liam Kidston
The measures have already been tested, with the set up thwarting two unlawful entry attempts.
“We had thieves came twice in three nights and they still couldn’t get through out security,” Mr Sherman said.
“The police were phenomenal – they came and went through our camera footage and were able to catch the people responsible.”
Mr Sherman said as a property developer he urged all his clients to add extra layers of security to their homes.
“It’s good for resale, as well as while living there,” he said.
“At a minimum, you need at least Crimsafe.
“A lot of people are very naive, thinking it wouldn’t happen to them, but it can.”
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