With all the planning that everyone made for the festive season, the merriment and joyous celebration officially begins next week.
Yet on the flip side, there is also the risk of leaving your homes when travelling at the mercy of opportunistic thieves who are on the prowl for unguarded properties
Orange states that it is easy to overlook the security of your home. However, coming to find you have been robbed of your possession will dampen the start of your New Year so it is best to be safe and take necessary precautions rather than be sorry at the end of the day.
To be honest a break-in over the festive holidays is no-one’s idea of fun. Play safe by taking the necessary precautions to minimize your risk and prevent would-be-thieves from helping themselves to the valuables that you worked so hard to buy for yourself during the year. We therefore urge home owners to be aware of basic security.
- It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you can invest in a house sitter or hire a security company to watch over your property while you are away. Thieves are less likely to attempt a break in when they see activity on the property.
- If you can’t afford to hire someone, create the illusion that someone is home. Set a timer on your outside lights so that they only go on at night. Having your lights on all day and night is a dead giveaway that no-one is home. Also set a timer for your TV and radio to give the impression that someone is inside the house. However remember to unplug all other appliances that you have not set timers for to avoid electric fires.
- Be sure to tip-off your neighbourhood patrol or the police in your area that you are leaving and they should keep an eye on your residence. They will be able to foil any break-in attempts because they will be sure to look out for activity at your residence.
- Use your security alarm if you have one. It is surprising how many people have a working security alarm but don’t actually use it. Don’t just think about activating it when your leave your home as break-ins can happen when you’re in bed, have your trigger alarm also set inside the house.
- Be discreet about your travel plans. Do not announce that you are leaving in public places where someone could overhear you and possibly follow you home. If you have children, let them know to also not broadcast it when they are playing with their friends. Thieves are constantly on the prowl and could overhear them.
Make sure that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving your home. Do not let your guard down this festive season and while you go about enjoying time out with your families and friends, please do take the necessary safety precautions. Standard Bank Home Loans team wishes you a happy and safe Christmas and prosperous 2018!