Melbourne Man Spends $20,000 on Fortress-Like Security After Break-Ins
"The modifications include high fences with spikes, slim side windows, driveway bollards, steering wheel and OBD port locks, a Faraday key pouch, a steel outer door with three locks..."
A 74-year-old retired contracts estimator from Ashburton, Melbourne, has turned his suburban home into a high-security property. Chris Sallmann invested approximately $20,000 in security upgrades after a previous break-in and recent attempted burglaries on his street.
The fortress-style measures include:
- High fences topped with spikes
- Slim side windows
- Driveway bollards
- Steering wheel and OBD port locks
- A Faraday key pouch
- A steel outer door equipped with three locks
- A heavy wooden inner door with a brass deadlock
- Double-glazed, smash-proof front windows
- A bulletproof glass sliding door
Sallmann told reporters the upgrades have made him feel protected. "A previous break-in and recent attempted burglaries prompted my actions," he said. "These measures help me feel safe."
Rising Demand for Physical Deterrents
Security retailers across Australia are reporting a surge in interest. James Strachan of Shug Bollards estimated that roughly half of his customers are now residential property owners. Historically, such products were aimed at commercial clients.
Alisha Dopper of Safety Xpress noted a 23% year-on-year increase in bollard sales, attributing the growth directly to residential demand. "People want both visual and physical deterrents," she said.
The Data Behind the Trend
The spike in security spending reflects a broader crime trend. According to Victoria Police:
- Car thefts in Melbourne have nearly doubled in the past three years.
- Insurance claims for stolen cars in Melbourne now exceed those of all other Australian capital cities combined.
- Google searches for "steering wheel lock" have increased by over 5,000% nationally in five years.
"Insurance claims for stolen cars in Melbourne exceed those of all other Australian capital cities combined."
For residents like Sallmann, the investment is less about luxury and more about peace of mind.