Here are ways of securing secure your home for Easter holiday

Easter bunnies and eggs are already overflowing in the stores, showing that the Easter long weekend is quickly approaching.

“The schools are also heading towards holidays iso now is the time to get home security in order,” says Charnel Hattingh of Fidelity ADT.

She urged residents to make it a priority to secure their homes before the Easter weekend approaches.

“Whether you will be at home or going away we often see a spate of opportunistic crime over the Easter holiday period.

ALSO READ: Local police warn of crime and provide safety tips

“These crimes are not always traditional house break-ins while residents are away but also include driveway hijackings and robberies and break-ins while residents are entertaining or sleeping in their homes,” she said.

Hattingh suggests residents take these five steps to secure their homes and property:

Step 1: Make sure that your alarms are working properly. Your alarm needs to be tested regularly like all your household appliances.

Avoid waiting until the last day before you leave because you might need technical assistance to resolve any issues, which could require several days.

Step 2: Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the event of an emergency. Speak to your security provider about what your options may be if you fail to access solutions in place.

Step 3: Cut back any bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates to your property or provide places for criminals to hide.

Take a walk around your perimeter checking walls and fences for any broken or damaged areas that may compromise their effectiveness.

ALSO READ: Locals given banking safety tips

Step 4: Make sure to teach your house-sitter how to use your alarm correctly if you were to hire one. Ask a neighbour or a friend to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around if you do not have a house-sitter. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer.

Step 5: Before leaving your home, double-check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors. To become environmentally friendly and to save electricity, turn off your geyser and any unnecessary electrical appliances

“If your children are at home during the holidays make sure they are aware that they need to keep all doors locked and that no one is to enter the home without your permission.

“If you have a home security system, teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use other security devices like panic buttons.

“Make a list of important telephone numbers, including the 10111 number, and show them that it has been placed near the telephone for use in emergencies,” Hattingh said.

ALSO READ: EMPD launches festive safety drive

Hattingh encouraged parents of teenagers to lay down some basic rules to ensure their children’s safety while at home alone.

“Make sure your teens understand that if they are having friends over, they need to talk to you about it first. Teens should also be conscious of security when outside the gate or in the street with friends.

“Criminals won’t hesitate to take advantage of an open gate. If they are heading to a mall or public place, they need to make sure they have proper plans and are in a group,” she said.