Tips to keep you safe this festive season

While we’re all looking forward to the festive season, criminals are looking forward to it even more!

You deserve a relaxing break, but you want to ensure it doesn’t end in tragedy.

To put your mind at ease, here are some safety tips you can put in place so you have a truly festive season.

Tips for when going away

• Let your neighbours know you’ll be away. If any are staying home, leave a spare set of keys and ask them to keep an eye on things
• Check that your alarm system is working and, if you have one, your fire alarm as well
• Install a timer for your lights, install day-night sensor bulbs, or get a neighbour to switch on the lights so it appears people are home. A completely darkened property is a risk
• Social media can be fun, but do not share details of your holiday plans or photos while you’re away
• Don’t leave your keys in easy-to-reach or easy-to-find places
• Don’t leave valuables lying around your house – make sure laptops, tablets and other items are locked away
• Switch off all unnecessary plug points and the geyser before you leave. This not only reduces any fire risk, but also prevents an unnecessary energy bill
• Take a walk around your property and check that everything has been packed and locked away, especially gardening tools and ladders.

Tips for when staying at home

• Discard any Christmas gift boxes either on the day, or take them to a refuse centre. Boxes for new electronics are a sure-fire way to alert potential thieves to your household contents
• Lock all security gates, even if you’re entertaining outside, and keep the keys out of reach
• Keep connected with neighbours via relevant WhatsApp groups
• Keep all emergency numbers saved on your phone or easily accessible for the whole family.

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