It’s time to get your security and arrangements ready for the coming holiday season!
1. Make sure you have someone checking up on the inside of your home regularly, annually thousands of rands worth of damage is caused due to power outages and appliances failing. Your pet also needs extra company even if you have someone feeding him, every year many pets are injured or bitten by snakes more regular visits can save their lives.
2. Test your alarm long before you leave, this ensures your security company can properly fix it. Remember many people are leaving in the same time frame you are.
3. Make sure you have securely closed all windows and locked all doors.
4. Never leave vehicle and safe keys visible or lightly hidden in your home. Hide them properly or lock them away.
5. Make sure if you have asked your security company to patrol that you have someone they can contact in the event of an emergency (this person should also regularly check the inside of your home).
6. Inform your neighbours and Security company that you are going away – Do not do this over the phone, fill in necessary forms at your security company. And once you have left phone them to double check that it has been loaded on their system.
7. Ensure you have Security warning boards on your perimeter and update your details with your security company before leaving. Adding extra contact numbers in case of incident is a good idea.
8. Remember to have a bedside light plugged in and on that a neighbour can visibly see. Many times plugs in the home trip causing freezers to run down while the lights remain on and no one realises the plugs are without power.
9. While you are leaving for an extended time hide your targeted goods well – hiding and locking away Televisions, Laptops and Jewellery will mean suspects don’t have a quick smash and grab but must search for goods affording them less time.
10. Report all crime, send detailed description and photos.
Plan, prepare and stay safe!
