The biggest giveaway is of course interior or exterior lights left burning 24 hours a day. Any reputable hardware store will be able to supply inexpensive timers that can be fitted not only to light switches but also to electronic devices such as televisions. Exterior lights that detect motion are also an excellent deterrent.
A build-up of uncollected newspapers, mail and advertising fliers are also a give-away; ask a trusted friend or neighbour to clear your postbox while you are away.
'If your house is on the market, you may want to ask your estate agent to take care of this for you,' says Ronan McCool, Operation Director for RE/MAX of Southern Africa. 'Also be sure to leave a contact list with both your estate agent as well as your security company, in case problems are encountered while you are away.'
Incidents do happen, notes McCool, and along with burglaries, there may be other emergencies: 'Your home may have a fire or there could be a flooding of your premises. We often find that home owners leave home without turning off gas mains, or closing taps to appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and even toilets. And remember to turn off your geyser - this will save money and energy.'
Likewise, if you are listed in the telephone directory, do not leave a message on your answering machine informing callers that you are away. The message that burglars will receive is that they have plenty of time to break in and clean you out.
Another important consideration before you embark on a year end holiday, is to ensure that your insurance polices are all up to date – personal as well as those on your property. Take into account any additional value you may have added to your home in the form of home improvements or renovations. 'Home owners about to sell their homes often add value to make the property more attractive,' says McCool, 'Yet many forget to add the extra value onto their insurance policies.'
However, vigilant year-end safety and security measures also apply to homeowners who will be home for the holidays, as burglars often keep an eye on potential targets by looking out for any change in routine that occur at this time of the year. These changes may be sending dangerous signals to those up to no good.'
For example, many homeowners have holiday visitors and feel that they need to change their security routine to accommodate their guests. So while it may seem like too much trouble to teach a visiting granny how to use the alarm system, do it nevertheless. The same applies to younger visitors who plan to party and arrive home late: do not be tempted to leave the alarm off to accommodate them. Burglars count on home owners letting their guard down at this time of year, and view homes with visitors as potentially easy targets. 'Not to mention the added value in goods such as presents, personal belongings and even vehicles that visitors bring with them at this time of year,' says McCool.
Be careful, too, as to how and what you put out with the rubbish. Expensive gifts usually come in highly attractive (and often large) packaging, informing criminals that a valuable new item is now inside the home. Cut up large packages and dispose of the evidence discreetly.
Burglars also look for easy access and quick escape routes. A Christmas tree lit up in the window may be beautifully visible from the street, but so will the presents beneath it - a tempting target for a smash and grab operation.
Notes McCool: 'Whether you'll be home for the holidays or away, a policy of safety and security first will ensure the festive cheer lasts all season long.'
For more information contact 021 417 5801 or send an email.
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