is Your Home?
Tips to keep your property safe and secure when you’re not there
As we inch closer to the Easter break and numerous long weekends, it is easy to get caught up in the rush of organising, planning and packing for a much-needed getaway. We spend a lot of time and money on perfecting our properties, so in order to truly relax, you need to know that your home is protected while you and your family are away. Leaving a few lights on is no longer an adequate way to deter thieves, so take note of our tips to minimise the risk of coming home to a nasty surprise after you’ve been away.
Everybody needs good neighbours
It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book but is still an effective method in creating the illusion that someone is present at your property. If you trust your neighbours, ask them if they wouldn’t mind collecting your mail, taking out (and bringing in) your bins, or if they’d consider parking one of their cars in your driveway whilst you’re away. It may not seem like a big deal, but small things like this can be enough to deter wannabe crims from targeting your home. Pass on your contact details (if they don’t already have them) so that they can alert you of any unusual behaviour, and don’t forget to give them a box of chocolates or bottle of wine for their troubles upon your return!
Avoid online oversharing
In an online world, we love to flaunt our holiday plans and lifestyles on social media, but this can be a detriment to the safety of our homes. It is easier than ever to compile information on someone, (including home addresses and details of your property) with the simple click of a mouse, so whilst it may seem harmless to post photos of your vacation online, it is best to avoid doing so until you return home. Even if the trip is for business, do not advertise the fact that you will be away from home and consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to housesit for you if it is for an extended period.
Monitor Remotely
As much as modern technology can hinder the security of your property, it can also help you keep an eye on things when you aren’t at home. Advanced home security systems allow you to monitor your property 24/7 via your smart device from wherever you are. Ranging in price from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars, you can now protect your home by controlling your alarm system, security cameras and lighting with ease. Security screens, working locks, sensor lights and secured entrances such as side gates will also act as a deterrent for those looking for an easy target.
Extra Tips
- Delay your deliveries to avoid the added allure of unopened packages at your door
- If you live in an apartment, avoid leaving anything that appears valuable on your balcony
- Store your valuables such as jewellery etc. in a secure place whilst your away
- Do an audit of who may have access to spare keys as these can be easily copied
- Check that your home & contents insurance is up to date in the event of a break-in