CPF shares must-know holiday home protection tips

POLOKWANE – As the festive season approaches, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) is urging residents to take extra precautions to keep their homes safe while they celebrate or travel.

CPF chairperson Rudolph Phaswana stressed that criminal activity typically increases over the holidays, making vigilance more important than ever.

“Ensuring the safety of your home is crucial, especially during this period when many families are away. Criminals take advantage of relaxed routines and empty homes, so residents must remain alert,” Phaswana said.

He encouraged community members to consider joining their local CPF structures to strengthen neighbourhood safety, adding that proactive safety measures help reduce the risk of break-ins, theft and vandalism.

Phaswana shared the following practical tips to protect your home and property:

Home security tips for the festive season

Alarm and electrical safety

• Ensure your alarm is in working condition before the holiday period.
• Service your alarm system at least once a year, as its components wear out over time.
• Thunderstorms can damage alarm systems, check for lightning-related faults.
• Have a reliable battery backup to keep your alarm running during load-shedding.
• Test your alarm at least three weeks before going on holiday, ideally between 08:00 and 20:00 (Monday to Friday).
• Report any faults to your security provider immediately.

Communication and planning

• Inform your security company if you will be away and provide emergency contacts.
• Let your neighbours know about your holiday plans so they can look out for suspicious activity around your home.
• Ask a neighbour or friend to collect your mail.
• A full post box is a clear signal that no one is home.

Secure access points

• Teach house sitters how to properly use the alarm and security system.
• Double-check that all windows and doors are locked before leaving.
• Ensure outside locks are at least four-lever or double cylinder locks.
• Never leave a key in a door with glass panels or glass near the lock.
• Install security gates on outer doors for an extra barrier of protection.
• Secure sliding doors by placing a piece of timber in the rail and ensuring they cannot be lifted off their tracks.

Perimeter & exterior measures

• Install good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer.
• Do not leave ladders, spades, tools or gardening items outside as these can be used to break into your home.
• Place clear security signage around your property to discourage intruders.
• Pack your vehicle discreetly, preferably inside your garage, to avoid drawing attention to your departure.

Phaswana reiterated that small preventative actions can go a long way:

“Being prepared, staying alert, and working together as neighbours forms a strong defence against crime.”