The best home security tips for over the holidays

With the silly season almost here and Christmas day looming, it’s time for many of us to hang up our work boots and head off for a much-needed holiday.

While the Christmas / new year break is something we long for all year, it’s also the year’s highlight for those pesky burglars. Making time to evaluate your home safety and security could be one of the best investments you can make this summer.

Here are some top security tips to save you time thinking about what you might need to do to keep your home safe this holiday.

Home security audit.

In the weeks leading up to your holiday, we recommend you undertake a full security audit of your home to identify and fix any safety issues. This includes:

• Checking window latches and deadbolts are all in working order.
• Checking outdoor sheds are safe and secure.
• Ensuring your spare key is not left outside and again hiding in an unusual place.
• Checking your house alarm and sensors are all in order.
• Remove any objects that could make a thief’s job easier, such as ladders, bricks or tools.
• Review exterior lighting and check that sensor lights are working correctly.
• Jewellery, TVs and electronics are the first items thieves target. It pays to keep these things well out of site. Think outside the box when hiding valuables. You could even ask a trusted friend to look after these items when you are away.

Creating the illusion of an occupied home.

To make your house look lived in, you should leave the house the way you would, as if you were going to work or out for the evening.

• Leave the curtains open.
• Have your letterbox emptied or mail redirected and newspaper subscriptions cancelled.
• Get another car to park in your driveway.
• If you are away for an extended period, arrange to have someone mow your lawns.
• Sound and light are a burglar’s biggest fear, so invest in automated timers to turn lights, radios and TVs off and on.
• Leave shoes at the front door.
• Leave some washing on the line.

 Don’t advertise your absence.

• Don’t reveal your holiday plans to strangers when communicating with friends and family on social media. Information shared on social media can end up in the wrong hands.
• Turn the ringer down or unplug your phone if you have a landline.
• Don’t be tempted to post your holiday snaps on social media; wait until you get home.

Taking the time and effort to put this theory into practice will help you rest easy this holiday period. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

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