Festive season security tips

“Statistics clearly show that criminal activity increases during the ‘silly season’ and it is therefore imperative for homeowners to take certain precautions and not let their guard down,” says Mike Kidson, Managing Director of ADT Northern Region.

 

According to Kidson there are several handy tips to bear in mind which can help alleviate the risk to family and property.

 

Below are some tips on things to consider prior to leaving for holiday:

 

Three to four weeks to go: 

 

• Ensure that your alarm is in working order. December is traditionally a busy period for security companies so homeowners should test their alarms at least three weeks before going on holiday and should the system require servicing this should be arranged as early as possible. 

• Confirm any provision that you have made for your pets while you are away.

• Ensure there are no gaps in your fence or unintentional points of access to your home which may need additional security.

• Connect outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors. These will act as an additional deterrent.

 

Two weeks to go

 

• Advise your security company of your holiday plans – should something happen while you are away, it is essential that they have the following updated information on your holiday form:

o all keyholder information

o details of domestic workers, gardeners or house sitters who may be staying on the property while you are away

 

Residents should ensure that all this information is updated before going on holiday. “If perhaps there has been an incident, we will need to contact your keyholder in order to address the problem,” says Kidson. This person can be a family member, neighbour or friend. Kidson advises that although this should be updated throughout the year, by contacting the control room at least two weeks prior to departing ensures sufficient time for the holiday form to be completed and submitted. Remember that the keyholder must be a person you trust to make decisions on your behalf – this may be with regards to hiring a guard, replacing window and burglar bars should an incident take place, etc.

 

• Inform your neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property while you are away. 

• Stop all newspaper and other deliveries (if applicable) and arrange that someone collects your post while you are away – a bulging post box is a clear indication that you are not home.

• If you have hired a house sitter, teach them how to use your alarm system correctly.

• Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks. It is also a good idea to check that all these locks are in good working order.

• It is advisable to make a copy of your passport, credit card and travellers cheques before going on holiday. These can be certified at either your local police station or post office. Also, check your insurance and medical cover and leave a contact address and phone number where necessary.

 

One to seven days to go

 

• Make sure that all bushes or trees close to your doors and garage are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding behind them

• Be discreet when packing your car – do so in your garage if possible. Never leave a message on your answering machine stating that they’re out of town. 

• Before locking up, check all water outlets and electric sockets. Ensure that you have not left a key on the inside of an outer door that has glass panels or glass near the door lock.

• Do a quick once-over before you set off. Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors – sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Don’t leave ladders, spades or tools outside as these can be excellent break-in tools.  Ensure that cell phones, valuables and remote controls for automatic gates and garage doors are not left lying around. 

• Leave a key with a trusted neighbour in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea that you arrange for someone to check on the house on a regular basis to water the plants, empty the mail box, feed the dogs, air the house, mow the lawn (if you are away for an extended period of time), and to switch lights on and off. Movement in and out of the house is a deterrent in itself. Leaving dogs on the premises serves as added security, so it is best if you have someone who can care for them while you are away.

 

“The festive season should be a time of relaxation and giving, but let’s ensure that we are not giving our belongings to criminals on a golden platter,” says Kidson.

 

“Think like a burglar and take these preventative measures to ensure the safety and security of your belongings.”

 

(Photo: Gallo Images)