If you’re going away this holiday season, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your home safe and keep the bad guys away.
1. If there’s a lock on it, lock it!
If someone wants to break into your house, chances are a simple lock won't stop them. However, let’s not make it any easier for these guys. Make sure all of your locks and alarms are working and secure. Go through your house and lock all of the doors and windows including gates, garages, sheds etc. Once you have gone through and locked up the property… go through and double check. You can never be too sure. If you’re leaving for your trip in the morning, a good tip is to lock up everything you can the night before, to avoid you from forgetting in the morning rush.
2. Light it up.
Most criminals prefer to go unnoticed when they do their thing. Houses that offer privacy are often the first ones targeted. Having exterior lights activated by motion sensors can light up the dark areas around your home at night. Being in the spotlight might be just the deterrent a criminal needs from targeting your property.
3. Timers, TV’s & Radios.
Invest in some Timers. If it looks like you’re home, there’s less chance that someone will try to break in. Set up lamps, TV’s and radios around the house to turn on and off at certain times of the day. You might also want to step it up a notch a purchase a dog-barking alarm. If you can’t get your hands on a real dog, the angry barking of a digital dog sounding from the alarm might be all that’s needed to scare off possible intruders.
4. Pay your bills
There’s no point having timers or home alarms set up if your power gets disconnected while you’re away. Pay your bills ahead of time if you’re going away for a longer holiday to make sure your home stays protected. The last thing you want to hear while you're away is that your home has been broken into.
5. A little help from your friends
Friends, family and neighbours can be a great help when you go away. Pick the one you trust most and ask them to pop into your place from time to time to make sure everything is okay. Ask them to take in your mail, occasionally park their car in your driveway and look after your lawns if necessary.
6. Cancel subscriptions
If you get regular food or newspaper deliveries, it might be worth putting them on hold while you’re away. Not only will your food go off but to a burglar some Light & Easy sitting on your doorstep for a few days is a pretty sure sign that you’re not home.
7. Stock take
If you've done all of the above, then you probably won’t need this tip. But it’s important to have an idea of what you have in your house, in case it does get stolen. Taking photos or a video of each room is a good way to do a quick stock take of your possessions. Take photos of anything valuable as this will help the police and insurance companies should you need them when you get back from your trip.
The most important tip of all if you’re going away this holiday season, is to stay safe. Wishing you all a safe holiday season and a happy New Year.
