The festive season is fast approaching and for many South Africans this means holiday trips and travels. Certainly we all look forward to a well-deserved getaway from the daily grind but while you’re focused on planning your holiday don’t forget to factor in the security of your home. Nothing will bring on the post-holiday blues faster than finding your house has been burgled while you’re away. And it would be naïve to assume that criminal elements won’t target an empty house.
Here follow some tips to help keep your home safe and secure so you can enjoy your getaway.
1. Security First
Inform your security service provider of the dates you’ll be away and ensure they have the contact number of a reliable person who can act as your proxy in the event of an emergency. And make sure your contact person has a spare set of keys in case he/she needs to access your house.
It’s also a good idea to check that all your security features, like alarm signals and beams, are functioning correctly. An alarm that continually goes off for no good reason is not only annoying to those neighbours who are not away but could be just as detrimental to your home security (your annoyed neighbours will be inclined to ignore it as false) as an alarm that does not sound when it should.
2. Create the Illusion of Occupancy
Nothing screams ‘empty house’ like mail gathering in your post box. It definitely pays to have a friend or neighbour you can trust collect your mail daily or at least every second day. You could also your neighbour to put some of his/her refuse bags in your bin and wheel it out on waste collection day. And invite your neighbour to park his/her car in your driveway. This all adds up to creating the illusion of occupancy. The aim is make your house appear lived in as this throws would-be burglars off.
3. Conspicuous by your Absence
It is not a good idea to leave a message on your landline answering machine detailing the dates you’re away. Criminal elements are smart and it is not uncommon for them to call a potential target’s landline to check if anyone’s home.
It is also advisable to invest in a light timer or a few, depending on the size of your house. The timers can be set to switch your lights on and off at varying times which also helps to confuse burglars about your absence. You can even attach a timer to your radio and/or television to really cement the lived-in illusion. And if you’re on a prepaid electricity meter, ensure it is adequately topped up before you set off.
4. Preparation Equals Peace of Mind
Small details like mowing your lawn pre-departure gives your home a well-tended look, and if you’re away for more than three weeks, get a friend or your trusted neighbour to give it another mow. You can offer to return the favour when he/she is away. It is also advised to lock all your valuables away in a secure cupboard if you don’t have a big enough safe. As with most things in life, preparation is key and securing your empty house while you’re on holiday is no exception. Some forethought and following these tips will go a long way to making sure you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Happy holidays everyone!