How to safeguard your home this festive season.
Category Home Owner Advice
December is the time when most South Africans are sunning themselves somewhere other than at home. It's a much-awaited break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and as we relax, we also tend to let our guard down.
As festive cheer increases sadly so too does crime as opportunistic criminals take advantage of unoccupied homes and unsuspecting travellers.
"Even if you aren't soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere, you may be spending hours away from home enjoying a braai with friends or family," says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group. "While it's important that we all find time to relax and enjoy our holidays, it's equally important to remain vigilant and to keep our families, property and possessions safe."
Here's how you can stay vigilant and keep your home, family, and belongings safe and secure.
Enlist the services of a house sitter
Having someone occupy your home while you are away is a great deterrent for criminals. If hiring a house sitter is not a viable option for you, at least ask a friend or neighbour to come by and turn on your lights in the evenings, empty your mailbox and put your rubbish out on bin days.
Get to know your neighbours
If you know your neighbours well, they will better be able to spot any irregular activity on your property. Ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are away and to report anything suspicious on your neighbourhood WhatsApp group. On that note - join your neighbourhood WhatsApp group!
Upgrade your home security
Review your current home security measures and implement upgrades if you need to. These days there are technologies like smart home systems which allow you to arm your security remotely, turn your lights on and off, check your security cameras and more. Layers of security are always the best defence, so be sure that your security beams and outside lighting are working properly and that your electric fence and burglar bars are secure. Keep in mind that load shedding can happen at any time, so have backup batteries in case you need them. Also, inform your security company when you will be away so that they can do extra patrols around your property.
Eradicate any potential hiding places
Cut back overgrown bushes and shrubs so that would-be thieves have fewer places to hide in the dark. Also, trim back tall trees or ones overhanging the pavement to eliminate easy access points. If you are going to be away for a long break, ask someone to mow your lawn and keep your pool maintained while you are away.
Secure garages and sheds
Be sure to lock your garages and sheds up properly before you leave as criminals often target these outdoor buildings to get tools which will help them gain access to your home.
Get switched on
A big indicator that you are not home is when your lights are on all day and night. Or, even worse, if your home is consistently dark. If you don't have someone staying on your property while you are away, invest in timers to switch your lights on and off at specific times. A smart home device will also enable you to do this whenever you feel fit. Installing motion-triggered flood lights is also a good idea as they can startle and potentially deter a would-be thief. Lighting is an important security feature as thieves are less inclined to approach a well-lit area.
Stash your trash
The festive season is often filled with big, expensive gifts - all of which come in big boxes showing exactly what's inside. This is why you should be mindful of what you are throwing out - and thus putting it on display on the curb. Nothing advertises your flashy new things like having an empty box next to your rubbish bin. Compact the boxes and dispose of them inside bin bags or keep them out of sight until such a time you can do so.
Keep those gifts hidden
Even before we get to stashing our trash, we need to think about what we do with the mountain of gifts we're putting under the tree. It's best to place them far from the windows to avoid prying eyes. Also, remember to do that when you are shopping for the gifts - don't leave them in sight in your car to tempt would-be thieves.
Stay off the socials
You might want to share every minute of your much-deserved holiday at the beach or abroad but putting yourself out there on social media lets everyone know where you're not - at home. Rather keep your pics to share once you've returned home. The bonus is you get to reminisce all about your holiday then, too! Similarly, avoid posting images of expensive new items that you received as gifts. You never know who sees these images.
Know what to do in an emergency
No one likes to think about the worst-case scenario, but it is critical to have an emergency plan should the worst strike. If someone breaks into your home while you are there, your family needs to know what to do. Ensure that you have panic buttons that are working and accessible. In addition, have the phone numbers of your security company and emergency services on speed dial.
Make a checklist
It's not always easy to remember all the things you need to do to keep yourself, your family, or your home safe during the festive season. This is why it is important to keep a checklist on hand to make sure that you have covered all your bases. It is also wise to read up on some professional tips for things you might not have thought of yourself.
It is important not to be complacent about your security when you are away. There are few things that ruin holiday relaxation quite like coming home to a pillaged house. Always be alert for your safety and enlist the help of a professional security company to take care of the rest.
If you are unsure of the best security companies in your area, get in touch with your local Chas Everitt agent - they will know who the companies of choice of the residents are, as well as who to stay well away from!
Author: Chas Everitt