Don’t forget to protect your home when you aren’t there
The festive season in Pretoria is the ideal time for thieves, with houses empty and homeowners letting their guard down. Don’t be caught unprepared.
December is a time many South Africans get to put their feet up after a long hard year, spending time with friends and family to celebrate the festive season.
It often means going away to escape the confines of their everyday hum-drum.
This season is also the ideal time for thieves, with houses empty and homeowners letting their guard down.
According to a report by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) released in August 2022, housebreaking incidences almost doubled during December 2021 compared to the previous month. Data show the overall house robberies rose by 26% from the previous year and 5.4% of households experienced housebreaking and burglary.
A spokesperson for security company ADT Fidelity, Charnel Hattingh said: “Everyone thoroughly deserves the time to relax with friends and families but it is important to remember a few basic security measures which can make all the difference and ensure you enjoy this time of year in safety.
“Before you leave, the first and most important step to take is to regularly test your alarm well in advance to ensure that it is in good working order. It is also a good idea to let your security company know what your holiday plans are and how best to get in touch with you in the event of an emergency.”
She offered the following additional tips to secure your home when you aren’t there:
– Check your perimeter for vulnerabilities, such as broken electric fencing, foliage, worn locks on gates or sensors not working on doors and windows.
– Check that you have a back-up battery so that your home is not left vulnerable during load-shedding.
– Hire a house sitter and make sure you teach them how to manage your home and its security. Ensure your remote and fixed panic buttons are working and that the person knows what to do in an emergency and how to manage your alarm during load-shedding. Leaving a ‘user-manual’ for your home is a good way to make sure they have all the information they need.
– Check CCTV cameras to ensure they are in the right position and recording as they should and all outside lights are working.
– Inform your security company if you are unsure about anything or feel your security could be compromised due to a faulty system.
– Prune and clear bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates, or provide a spot for criminals to hide.
– Fit timed or day/night lights around your property.
– Inform your neighbours and neighbourhood watch of your holiday plans so they can help keep an eye on your property. Leave your contact details with neighbours and other trusted sources to contact you if they see anything out of the ordinary.
– Make sure someone has access to your property in case your alarm goes off after load-shedding, or in case of an emergency.
– Make sure all doors and windows are locked and secured.
– Turn off your geyser and other unneccesary devices that use electricity, and set timers on lights around your house.
– Be discreet, don’t leave indications that your home might be unattended, such as making social media posts advertising your absence.
Hattingh also advised holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the security situation at their destination:
– Familiarise yourself with the contact details for the police/emergency services in your holiday area.
– Find out where the nearest hospital is located.
– Check the perimeter security of the property you are staying in.
– Make sure you know how the security system works.
– Ask the owner for information about the security of their property as well as general security guidelines for the area.
– Don’t leave electronic devices lying around.
– Ask your home security provider whether they can offer you security or medical emergency services at your holiday destination.
“Your security system is only as effective as its weakest component. If you have invested in a home security system, you must make sure it is always functioning properly.
“One of the biggest benefits of having a quality security system is peace of mind, so you need to know it will not let you down when you need it most,” said Hattingh.
ALSO READ: Mamelodi police wish residents well this festive season
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