Security for holiday peace of mind
It’s important to take precautions, get organised
The festive season should be about relaxing and giving, and not being concerned about break-ins and security issues.
So I thought I should share tips I received from Stuart Clarkson, managing executive for Fidelity ADT.
He said each year there is an increase in house and vehicle break-ins during the holidays.
“Not only that, we also see incidents throughout the season, so it’s important to get your security in order to take certain precautions and get organised.”
Clarkson said December is traditionally a busy period for security companies so homeowners should test their alarms at least three weeks before going on holiday, and should the system require servicing, this should be arranged as early as possible.
Tips to safeguard your property:
Ensure there are no gaps in
● your fence or unintentional points of access to your home which may need additional security;
Connecting outdoor lights to ● timers and motion sensors act as an additional deterrent;
Two weeks before you leave
● for your holiday, advise your security company;
Should an incident happen
● while you are away, it is essential that they have the following updated information such as keyholder information, details of domestic workers, gardeners or house sitters;
Inform your neighbours and ●
Neighbourhood Watch of your plans;
Stop all newspaper and other ● deliveries, and arrange that someone collects your post while you are away;
If you have hired a house sitter, ● teach them how to use your alarm system correctly;
Make sure that all bushes or ● trees close to your doors and garage are trimmed;
Be discreet when packing
● your car – do so behind closed doors, if possible in your garage;
Do a quick once-over before
● you set off;
Double check that you have
● locked and secured all windows and doors – sliding doors can be secured simply by plac- ing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail;
Don’t leave ladders, spades
● or tools outside as these can be excellent break-in tools; and
Ensure that cellphones,
● valuables and remote controls for automatic gates and garage doors are not left lying around while you’re away.