Neighbourhood Watch Virtual House

A first in interactive computer based crime prevention. Virtual House is a concept borne in 1999, stemming from the need for residents to be better educated on home safety and has been produced as a strategy of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria.

With support from ADT Security and Lockwood Australia, the Virtual House is a computer program which enables users to take a simulated tour inside and outside a typical house. The user views items found in most homes and controls 360 degree movement through the house using their mouse.

As the tour progresses, the user is prompted with various crime prevention tips related to the various items found in the home and can answer questions to assess the security of their own home.

Once all questions have been answered, the user can print out their security assessment, along with extra advice.

The Virtual House is accessible via the Neighbourhood Watch website at www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au free of charge (click "Virtual House" along the left). It will also be distributed via CD-Rom to Neighbourhood Watch offices nationwide in the coming weeks.

In Victoria last year there were more than 49,000 residential burglaries, resulting in tens of millions of dollars of property being stolen. The information given throughout the Virtual House tour is aimed at addressing those issues which make a house vunerable, or a theft possible.

It includes advice on electrical equipment, door and window security, keys, jewellery and valuables, lighting, leaving home and landscaping.

For my fact sheet archive, visit http://www.getmega.com/getmega/todayshow.html

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