The season for family, friends, and good food is upon us once again. This time of year is typically about celebrating and reuniting with the ones you love. Unfortunately, there’s a nasty few out there determined to ruin the festivities: burglars.

Many people are travelling, visiting their families and leaving homes unattended. The holidays are the perfect time for a burglar to strike!

How can you keep your home safe from both burglars and the environment? Here are 9 steps to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

 

1) Think like a burglar

Take an objective look at your home and look for potential points of entry that a burglar may use. Don’t overlook entryways vents and dog doors just because they’re small or difficult to reach, burglars come in all shapes and sizes. Look to see if any tree branches or any other means to give access to windows upstairs.

2) Put away any tools

Make sure to put away any tools after you’ve used them, especially steppies, crates or ladders as they can be an invitation to the upper levels of your home.

3) Lock doors and windows

Did you know that doors are the most common point of entry for a burglar? As many as 40 percent of burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows; by simply locking your doors and windows and placing the key out of reach, you can protect your home. Do not neglect upstairs, as intruders will find means to climb up.

4) Be clever when hiding spare keys

If you keep an extra key hidden outside your home for those desperate situations, know that it comes with a risk. Under the doormat, in a planter, or on a light are obvious hiding places. If you must leave a key outside your home, be creative with the location. Or better yet, leave it with a trusted neighbour.

5) Know the neighbours

Relationships with your neighbours can vary from home to home, but if you trust them, it can be extremely beneficial for both parties. If you’re going away for the holidays, let your neighbours know. Ask them to make it seem like your home is still occupied.

6) Avoid revealing your location on social media

You put yourself at risk if you post your location on social media – whether you’re leaving for 10 minutes or 10 days. Just remember that burglars also have access to social media.

7) Light it up

Even if you’re not home, it’s very easy to control your lights remotely. There are many devices that allow you to automate lighting in your home, for safety and to conserve energy.

8) Close curtains/blinds

Without a view of your premises’ interior, burglars will not know what there is to steal and if the premises is worth breaking in to.

9) Arm your security system

Many burglaries are successful because the homeowners didn’t arm their security system. Even the best system is useless if you don’t use it. If you frequently forget, think about signing up for a home security system that includes online access or through your smartphone.

Follow these steps and have a safe and secure holiday season. Peace of mind comes easy when you know you’ve taken the necessary precautions for your family and home’s security.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact our office on 021 876 3308 or contact us.