As the holiday season approaches and many South Africans prepare to travel and spend time away from home, Antonie Goosen, principal and founder of Meridian Realty, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding homes during this period.
"Ensuring the security of your property is paramount, especially when you're away enjoying the festive season," says Goosen. "Implementing a few key strategies can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins or mishaps."
READ: 8 security tips for your garage and garage door openers
To assist homeowners in safeguarding their properties, Goosen offers the following comprehensive tips:
1. Install a comprehensive home security system: Invest in a reliable home security system that includes alarms, cameras, and motion sensors. Consider systems with remote monitoring capabilities for added peace of mind.
2. Illuminate your property: Use timers for lights or invest in smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely. Well-lit areas around your property act as a deterrent for potential intruders.
3. Inform trusted neighbors or family: Notify trustworthy neighbors or family members about your absence. They can periodically check on your property, collect mail, and maintain the appearance of activity around your home.
4. Reinforce entry points: Ensure all doors, windows, and other entry points are securely locked. Consider installing deadbolts, window locks, or security bars for added protection.
5. Invest in smart locks and security cameras: Upgrade to smart locks that provide remote access control. Install security cameras in strategic locations to monitor your property even when you're away.
6. Avoid publicising vacation plans: Refrain from sharing your vacation plans on social media platforms. Broadcasting your absence can inadvertently signal that your home is unoccupied.
7. Secure valuables and important documents: Store valuables, important documents, and irreplaceable items in a secure, fireproof safe. Consider storing digital copies of essential documents in a secure cloud-based location.
8. Arrange for mail and newspaper services: Suspend newspaper deliveries and arrange for someone to collect mail or packages. A buildup of newspapers or mail is a telltale sign of an empty home.
9. Consider professional monitoring services: Explore options for professional monitoring services that can promptly respond to security alerts and take necessary action in case of any breach.
10. Create an illusion of presence: Use programmable devices to mimic the presence of occupants. Set timers for TVs or radios to create noise, and consider asking a neighbor to park their car in your driveway intermittently.
Goosen emphasises, "Taking a proactive and multi-layered approach to home security is essential, especially during holiday periods. By preparing your home adequately, you can enjoy your time away with peace of mind."
READ: Is a burglar alarm enough? Security tips to protect your home
Home-Dzine offers two security options for homeowners to consider:
1. A metal or wooden block to secure sliding doors
Sliding patio doors are often not the most secure and since they’re at the back of the house out of view they are a very appealing target for any would-be burglars. However, no matter how many locks, they pick or windows they break to unlock the door, if you put a piece of wood or metal into the path of the sliding door, there’s no way they can get short of breaking down the door and making tons of noise.
2. Metal-framed security doors
This type of door is typically a metal frame with or without added mesh screening that serves as an extra barrier between the door to your house and the outside world. The benefits of the simple addition of security doors are more multifaceted than simply being another layer of protection. These doors are fastened on tight and are much more resistant to being broken down or having their locks manipulated to open the door without a key.
With a security door you’re able to open your first door while still giving no opportunity for any would-be thief to get a good look at what’s inside of your house. On top of that, should someone unknown to you be knocking at your door, you can quickly jump out of the way and know that if they decide to try and forcibly enter your home the police will be well on their way before they even start making a dent in it.
Some of the most effective security tips are also the simplest. Sometimes a more sophisticated answer is required when thieves are using clever tactics, but the vast majority of home break-ins can be avoided or stopped in their tracks with simple tips like these. Don’t overthink it, but make sure your home is secured.
READ: 10 things every household should have, especially now
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