JOHANNESBURG – The Easter long weekend is around the corner, and at least two long weekends also follow that.

The break is traditionally about spending quality time with family, whether at home or at a holiday destination. This period can however also present a prime opportunity for would-be criminals to take advantage of your empty house while you are away.

Clive Humphrey, Managing Director of ADT Central Region, says that regardless of how you choose to spend your time, there are measures you can take to enhance security at your property and your peace of mind.

“First, test your alarm to ensure that it is in proper working order. Additional security hardware such as infra-red detectors and beams must be checked as well,” he adds. “When you contact your security company to do these tests, use the opportunity to also confirm that they have your correct contact details – or those of your primary key-holder – so that you can be reached immediately in the event of an alarm activation or incident,” he said.

Additional security tips:

• Before you leave home, always ensure that all doors are properly closed and locked. All windows must also be properly closed as they not only provide a potential point of entry for burglars, but on a windy day can result in false alarms.
• Always arm the alarm system and activate beams when no-one is home and overnight.
• Ensure that nothing is left in the garden that could be used to gain entry to your home.
• Lock away in a garage or in the house any gardening tools or equipment such as bicycles or children’s toys.
• Walk around the perimeter of the property to check for weak spots that could offer easy access into the premises or provide a place for criminals to hide.