With the Easter school holidays around the corner, many Potchefstroomers are packing bags, planning road trips, and looking forward to a well-deserved break.

While you’re busy organising Easter egg hunts and family time, it’s also the perfect moment to make sure your home isn’t left as an easy “find” for criminals.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group, provides simple steps to keep homes, vehicles, and neighbourhoods safe.

Top safety tips before you hop into holiday mode:

1. Don’t advertise an empty home

Avoid posting travel plans or holiday countdowns on social media before or while you’re away.

• 2. Test your alarm system

Ensure that your alarm is in working order. Like all household appliances, your alarm needs to be tested regularly. Don’t leave it until the day before you leave as you may need technical assistance to fix any problems and this could take a few days. Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home.

• 3. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out

Ask a trusted neighbour to collect your post, move bins and switch lights on occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer.  If you are hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly.

• 4. Light it up

Outdoor lighting and motion sensors are great deterrents. Criminals prefer dark, quiet properties.

• 5. Update your access to property

Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have an access solution in place, speak to your security provider about what your options are.

• 6. Be smart when travelling

If you’re on the road, avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle, keep handbags, laptops or tablets in the boot and avoid texting while stopped at a robot. Always park in well-lit and secure areas.

• 7. Report suspicious activity

If something looks out of place in your neighbourhood, report it immediately to your security provider or your local SAPS.

“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 installed 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,” says Hattingh.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” adds Hattingh “When communities stay alert and look out for one another, everyone benefits.”