HOLIDAYS are a time to kick back and let down your hair but the countdown can be quite stressful especially when you need to think about packing for the kids, providing for the pets and making sure your home is properly secure before you hit the road to your destination.
Blue Security operations manger Brian Jackson said the festive season was also a prime time when criminals were on the prowl looking for opportunities to break into empty houses, making it important not to merely gloss over your home security before you go away.
“Home security is about fitting the correct alarm system for your needs, maintaining it in good working order and living a security conscious lifestyle in close communication with your security service provider, “ Jackson said.
He said before going away on holiday it was important to check your property for any gaps that could make your home vulnerable to intruders and to ensure that they are closed.
Jackson provided a holiday security checklist to tick off to ensure your home is securely covered before you go leave on holiday.
“Test all zones in your alarm system a few weeks before you plan to go away and remember to call your security company’s control centre to inform them that you will be conducting a test. This will prevent a vehicle from being unnecessarily dispatched as a result of the alarm test. Involve your children as you test each zone of the home alarm system as this will develop their understanding of how the system works and a sense of security consciousness. If you pick up any faults with your alarm system such as low battery power arrange for a technician to attend to the problem to avoid the last minute pre-holiday rush,” he said.
Jackson said it was important to check all windows, burglar bars and security gates to ensure putty and screws are not loose and that there are no rusted or damaged bars that might need to be replaced.
“Attend to any repairs before you go away as it’s always better to spend a little to conduct a small repair than to risk making it easier for potential burglars to break in,” he said.
He said home owners should take a walk around the property to inspect fences, walls and gates checking for any evidence of damage or tampering that could allow intruders access to the property.
“If you have an electric fence cut back any overhanging trees that could soon touch the fence and result in a false alarm and an unwanted call from your security company while you are away unwinding. Trim overgrown bushes around the house that could provide potential hiding places for intruders,” he said.
Before you go away arrange for a neighbour to collect any mail and newspaper deliveries as nothing shouts “empty house” to criminals louder than an overflowing mailbox. Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property while you are away and perhaps offer your driveway as extra parking for his holiday visitors as this will help to create an illusion that someone is at home.
“Research has shown that burglars do not favour breaking into a well-lit property so make sure that you have sufficient outdoor lighting that switches on at night and ask a neighbour to turn on a few lights and the television at night to create the impression that the house is occupied. Remember to make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and locked before you leave and don’t forget to double check the window’s in children’s bedrooms and bathrooms,” said Jackson.
He said home owners should consider conducting a quick security assessment of their property before going away as additional devices such as indoor and outdoor CCTV surveillance cameras not only act as a deterrent but they can also allow you to monitor your home while you are away.
