Securing your home during the festive season

The December holidays is traditionally a time when many South Africans take a break and may even travel locally or abroad. As criminals are mindful of this fact, crime levels tends to spike and this could result in what should be a happy time, turning into a nightmare.

Some tips to ensure you secure your home should you be travelling include:

1. Be selective on who you tell you are going away

Only close relatives and friends need to be made aware of your travel plans in case of emergencies. Limit 'live' social media updates as this can alert tech savvy intruders and criminals of your activity and place you at risk.

2. Night-time lighting is highly recommended

The better lit up your home, the higher the deterrent for break-ins. Solar lighting, motion sensors and day/night controllers can create the illusion of the home being occupied and could hinder criminal activity.

3. Secure your gates

If you are in a freestanding home, ensure your gate motors are locked (if applicable.) Where possible, a bracket can be added to the gate to protect against lifting off the rails. Furthermore, a chain and lock will add further protection as gates are known to be a weak security point.

4. Neighbourhood watch and/or armed response company

Inform your neighbourhood watch and/or armed response company of your travel plans and the duration. Ask them to do extra patrols if possible. Also let your immediate neighbours know to keep a watch on your home and advise your security company of any suspicious activity. Also test all alarms before departing.

5. Switch off geysers, electrical lights, and unnecessary appliances

To save costs and avoid any accidents, it is advisable to switch off geysers, electrical lights and appliances that are not required. With the probability of power surges and load shedding, try to minimise the amount of food kept in the refrigerator. Ideally this should be emptied and turned off as food wastage could result in extreme cases.

6. Insurance company

Check your insurance policy and if required, inform them in writing of your travel plans.

7. Driveway

Store any municipal bins or items that could be used to access the property away from walls, gates etc. Ask a neighbour or friend to check that any post and newspapers are removed from the driveway as this is a big indicator that the home is unoccupied.

Whether you are staying at home this December or travelling, please stay safe and be vigilant.